My Twin

Most of the 6 years we lived in San Antonio, I spent as a single parent, due to Doug's crazy busy schedule. Although, I don't miss being a single parent, I do miss San Antonio. Luckily, I met a dear friend right away who happened to be just a few doors down to get me through those 6 tough years of residency. She was my rock I leaned on when Doug was gone. She listened, cried with me, laughed and was one I could vent to. At first we were just casual friends, but our friendship grew into something deeper and more rooted. We not only became friends, but best friends who could hang out as couples. Greg and Doug got along as well and Angie and I. And for those of you who have friends like this, know it is SUPER hard to come by or replace them. We went through 2 pregnancies together, and literally have watched our kids grow up. Her children have become like mine and mine hers.

Weekly outings to Six Flags waterpark with all the kids.

It wasn't until I moved away I realized how much I missed her. I miss our daily walks, our weekly lunch outings, craft days, Sonic runs, therapeudic shopping days, lying by the pool, and even trying to manage our 8 children at local fast food restaurants. I miss the "Are y'all sisters??!!" comment too.

Chuy's Mexican Food

Need I say more??

We were mistaken by several people as each other at church and people often called me Angie and her Jenny. It became a running joke. Often times Angie would come over and without even knowing we would have the same outfit on, from head to toe. Never mind we also would pick out the same shirts for our husbands. We still talk a lot, but as you know schedules get crazy with kids and living 1000 miles away doesn't help.

Afternoon shopping

As I was driving the other day I was thinking about my favorite places to shop with Angie (Hobby Lobby) We frequented that place and even ended up getting some furniture deals there. Arizona does have a Hobby Lobby, but not anywhere super close to my house. Until.....I headed out the other day and realized we are getting one less than 3 miles from my house this June! My heart skipped a beat when I saw this sign. And just look Ang, it's right next door to TJ Maxx, Target, AND In and Out Burger. So, in a nutshell I am speaking out loud, I definitely need an Angie fix. Is this enough to get you on a plane??? I hope to see you within the next few months....... Miss your guts friend!!

Wordless Wednesday

**Don't you love friends like this??**

good deed: took Angie to lunch

Just What I Needed

I thought this was a cool SP at the temple

Doug and I went to a 6pm temple session on Friday. It was wonderful. Going to the temple is normally a great thing, but Friday was different. I felt like I needed to be there and actually went on a prompting. I left a blubbery mess, but I walked away feeling grateful for eternal families and having a strong happy marriage.

The boys finally got their names on their jersey's.
So cute!

Saturday without going into a long drama saga was interesting. Jared's team lost for the 5th straight game in a row. They had homecoming, which in my opinion was a bit to over the top for 7 year olds. I left feeling pretty disappointed and angry all at once. My friend was escorted off the premises because she gave her son his inhaler on the field--parents normally aren't allowed (granted other words and such were exchanged) but seriously calling the cops?? Give me a break. I was sensing a bit of racial tension. This isn't the first incident either. No worries we weren't involved, just others we know. Doug and I are very unhappy with how things are going with his league and may not continue due to these circumstances. I left with a bad taste in my mouth for sure.

doggy good mail and audible good mail!

Later on I went to the mailbox to find these two delightful items, that seriously turned my day around. My good friend Lucy and I share a love for "So You Think You Can Dance" and she burned several songs from the show onto a cd. Taylor automatically stole it and has not stopped listening to it. It definitely is getting me excited for November when we actually get to see them perform. Yay! Andrea (the shoe obsessed) sent a sweet package for our newest doggy member. And you can bet I will be using both. Thanks Andrea. Both made my day.

Jen and Ang
Dinner at Tiago's bar

Angie and I went and treated ourselves to pedicures Saturday night, went to eat and headed over to the stake center to watch the broadcast. Unfortunately, the satellite was down and they had the radio setup. It seriously sounded like we were in the stone age with crackling noises in the background. We ended up leaving (I know bad) and hooked up with some friends afterwards to indulge in one of these. So yummy!

The new Huebner building--almost finished

Today was bitter sweet. It was the last day we would be meeting as a ward. Next Sunday evening we will be meeting to find out the boundary changes and ward splits. (I wish they would have done it today instead of conference weekend!) I know for certain we will no longer be attending the stake building because the new one is literally right down the street. I am excited to be in the new building, but nervous and sad to see who we will be loosing. I almost felt like today was a goodbye meeting (which I guess it kinda was) our lesson in Relief Society was so touching. Each member of the presidency got up and shared an experience of how they have been served by others. I was glad I was able to hear because I definitely needed it. Here is one of the quotes that was read:

"We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another, and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together"
(Luch Mack Smith)

good deed: Saturday helped Doug wash his car
good deed: had some friends over for dinner.

Workout Wednesday

Jared doing some push ups with his sweatbands on.
Go Jared!

Doug was sweet enough to watch the kids the ENTIRE afternoon (6 hours to be exact) so Angie and I could have a girls day out for my birthday. (I will update that later...) She sacrificed her day with me instead of preparing for their week long trip. They leave tomorrow for their Disney Cruise (so jealous). Anyways, as you know it has been raining for the past month. Blah, blah, blah. Today was no different. In fact, it literally down poured on us this morning on our walk. Tropical rain style. I felt terrible, poor Luke was screaming as I tried to hurry and run home in it. We were drowned RATS! I don't know if the rain has gotten to my kids.....but I found them working out this afternoon. I am sure they are tired of the inside, especially since most of the day I am telling them to get off the computer, turn off the television, no more x-box, etc. It was hilarious to see Jared actually doing push-ups and he even broke out the Billy Blanks Taebo video. All on his own.

And if that wasn't enough of them working out.....Taylor and Jared got their MP3 players on, along with their running shoes and did three laps around the block! I guess we have to live up this 70 degree weather, because normally we would be playing in the hose and complaining of the heat. Hey and if this wears them out I am ALL for it :)

good deed: wrote several thank-you cards