Sister Nights, New Jobs, and a Trip to Yosemite…

Hello dear reader! It feels like it’s been too long! I’m excited to be writing about this week!

It’s been a busy one, but aren’t they all!

Ashley and I actually got the chance to spend some real time together this week, which doesn’t happen as often as we’d like. Our schedules are constantly all over the place and somehow never line up, so when they finally did, we took full advantage of it. There’s just something about going out and doing things with your sister that makes it better, like built in company who already knows you way too well.

We ended up having a couple evenings to ourselves and filled them pretty quickly with all the random things we’ve been saying we should do forever. We went out to Farmington Station, wandered around, and just enjoyed not being in a rush for once. Somehow, we also found ourselves at a very awkward bridal shower (still not over that 😭), which turned into one of those “you had to be there” experiences that we’ll probably always remember.

Of course, we had to balance it out with a cozy night out at the Megaplex watching a genuinely terrible movie, eating way too many snacks, and just talking about everything and nothing. It wasn’t anything crazy or over the top, in fact it was quite last minute. But honestly, that’s what made it so good. At the end of it all, it didn’t really matter what we were doing we were just happy to finally have that time together.

Jamin has definitely been making life more fun lately. He took me to Flow Rider, which ended up being way more fun than I expected, even if I was clearly not a natural at it lol. It actually reminded me of when my younger sisters and I went a few years ago for Christmas (I think??), and we had the best time… plus a little bit of whiplash to go with it. I don’t think I have permission frrom the sisters to show you any photos or videos, but that’s okay, I’ll save you from some second hand embarrassment for today. Anyways, going again felt weirdly nostalgic, just with a little more dignity this time (barely).

Later that week, he took me out to Tokyo Station, and it was SO good. Like, genuinely one of those meals where you keep thinking about it after you leave. It’s been a very, very long time since I’ve gone to a restaurant like that, and it just felt really special. I’m really grateful he took me—and not gonna lie, I’m already dreaming of when we can go back.

Lauren is graduating in just a few weeks, which honestly doesn’t even feel real. Time has gone by so fast, and it’s weird thinking about how we’re already at this point. She’ll be sending out her graduation cards soon, which makes it feel even more official. I’m kind of excited that I won’t be the only graduate from Weber High anymore, it feels like she’s quickly catching up to me. She’s worked so hard to get here, and I’m genuinely so proud of everything she’s accomplished.

I’m also really looking forward to this summer with her. Between her job and working on her mission papers, I know she’ll be busy, but I’m hoping we can still make the most of the time we have before she leaves. I already have this whole list in my head—going on picnics, paddle boarding, and just doing all the random Utah adventures we always talk about but never fully plan. Even if it’s something simple, I just want to spend that time together while we can. I know what it feels like to be gone from the family for so long. So hopefully we make some meaningful memories together before she leaves.

I’ve definitely been keeping busy at the daycare lately. The days have been full in the best (and sometimes most chaotic) way, lots of art projects, circle time, outside playtime, and we even had one movie day this month, which the kids were way too excited about. It’s funny how something so small can feel like the biggest event to them. Lonnie has also warmed up a lot to being there, which has been really nice to see. Getting him fully adjusted has still been a bit of a challenge for me, but we’re definitely making progress, and I’m trying to remind myself that these things just take time.

At the same time, I recently put in my notice, May 31st will be my last day. It’s honestly such a weird, kind of melancholy feeling. I’ve learned so much while working there, and it’s been such a big part of my routine, but I know it’s time for me to grow professionally and try something new. I also just hate leaving jobs because finding a new one always stresses me out. Job applications are genuinely the worst part, the actual interview I don’t mind as much, but everything leading up to that feels like my personal enemy. If you asked my sisters to describe me, they might say I can be a little uptight… and I usually argue that, but when it comes to job searching, they’re unfortunately 100% right. I think it’s just the uncertainty of not having something stable lined up that gets to me. Not having that guaranteed support system of a job, even temporarily, kind of freaks me out more than I’d like to admit.

So I’ve definitely been feeling that stress the past couple of weeks… until a few days ago! I got hired for a monitoring position with Alliance for Children, which I’m really excited about. It’s a nonprofit program that works with daycare providers and families to make sure kids are getting nutritious meals every day, which I think is such a cool and meaningful mission. I’ll be starting part-time, about 45 hours a month, which actually feels like a really good balance right now. And after a few months, there’s opportunity to grow within the company, which makes me feel even better about it.

I’m also still holding onto my long-term goal of starting my own preschool someday. That’s always been in the back of my mind, and being part of a program like this feels like it could open a lot of doors. Even just the connections and experience I’ll gain could be really valuable down the line. It kind of feels like another small step in the right direction, which is exciting.

We had such a fun night at The Rush Funplex this past week. It was honestly a total impulse decision, but somehow those always end up being the best ones. We went all in too, three hours of bumper cars, laser tag, arcade games, attempting tricks in the foam pit, and go-karting. By the end of it we were exhausted, a little chaotic, and laughing about everything.

More than anything though, it was just really nice having everyone all together. Those kinds of nights don’t happen super often, so when they do, it feels a little extra special. And I love that everyone actually gets along, especially the boyfriends with the sisters. That’s definitely not something I take for granted. We’re very much “girls’ girls,” and it’s not always easy for us to click with guys, but somehow it just works. And honestly… I’m a little impressed we haven’t scared them off yet (yet??).

Our Sister Instagram Page / click here

For the next week, Ashley and I are heading out of town with Jamin’s family, and honestly… it’s about time we go on another trip. This one is going to be a little chaotic, probably exhausting, but 100% worth it, because we’re going to Yosemite National Park!! I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks now, to the point where it’s been hard to think about anything else. There’s just something about getting out of town, being in the mountains, and doing something a little adventurous that I love.

I already know it’s going to be one of those trips where we’re tired the whole time but don’t even care because we’re having so much fun. Early mornings, long days, lots of exploring… all of it. Exactly my kind of trip.

Anyways, I’ll definitely keep you, dear reader, updated on all the adventures we get into while we’re there, because I already know there’s going to be a lot to tell. In the meantime, enjoy the week and the spring showers 🤍