November came in with a smile!

September and October were great bringing with them many great memories! They included spending time with my parents out west in Utah and Idaho and Yellowstone with Erika and Jack, the surprise of seeing my best friend Anne again, my birthday (Yikes--but I'm only as old as I feel!), a bunch of birthdays (Ginger, Will, Mom, Marshall, Joanne Maxfield, Brandon, Erika, Daddy), fun dates and lots of time with my sweetheart, a new position at the hospital, good grades for Ethan and new job on campus at FMU, a new job for Addison, and the A/B Honor Roll for Addison, Jack and Erika's great plans they're making, etc. The list goes on...these were some of my favorites.

Now November is here and it has blown right in bringing lots of smiles already! I had one of the best weekends this past weekend. The only thing that could've made it better would have been having all the family home, but they always have a part of my heart with them. Erika and Jack had a nice weekend in Idaho and Ethan enjoyed a day of paintball with his friends in Flo-Town! Besides missing them it was an ABSOLUTELY perfect weekend. Joey's children went to to the beach for the weekend and Joey was off work. We missed them, too, but it had been a really long time since we were both off and had a weekend date. Friday began with Joey hunting while I went to a wedding reception. Brittany Parrott and Matthew Nelson were married in the Columbia Temple and had an awesome reception at the church. It was so beautiful. Afterwards, Joey and I had a date for "Pig On The Ridge" in Ridgeway where Joey had a friend who was cooking for it. We had a good time walking around and seeing old friends. Tiawanna met us there and it was fun spending time with her, too. Then we came home and planned our date for Saturday--FISHING!!!! This is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!!!! Joey picked me up Saturday around 11:30, we got a sub sandwich for a picnic, and headed to Dale's pond. As you can see in the photo it is so peaceful there and is one of my favorite places on earth to be. We had a great time--only one problem--I only caught 2 fish and Joey managed to catch 5--supposedly with the same lures...?! Hmmmmmm...not sure how he won the bet but he did. It's okay, they taste the same regardless of who catches them, I'd just like to win just once! Ha! We had so much fun and the weather was just gorgeous! We fished for about 5 hours then headed home and got ready to go out for dinner. We went to Olive Garden and had a fantastic dinner. It was so yummy--all you can eat soup, salad, and breadsticks. (I was trying so hard to eat healthy but couldn't resist the breadsticks.) Addison had worked Friday night so she had Saturday night off for the highly anticipated annual youth hayride at the Branham's. She looked beautiful in her scarf and had a really fun time--I think she has a new romantic interest (JP Parrott, but don't tell anyone!) and I totally approve. She had such a good time and was just giddy telling me about it when we met up back at home. Oh to be 16 again! (Well, not really...but she is too cute!)

Just when I thought the weekend couldn't get any better Sunday came. Oh how wonderful was that extra hour of sleep! Heavenly! Joey met me at church which was such a pleasant and welcome surprise. It's the warmest feeling having him at church with me--it's undescribable. This Sunday was testimony meeting and it was a wonderful meeting. The testimonies born were from the heart and my heart was filled. Our lesson in Relief Society was about heeding counsel we are given. The thing that stuck out most for me personally was personal preparedness. Not only food storage and home storage but all ways of being prepared. We have been instructed to get our homes in order, store enough food and goods for emergency situations and to prepare ourselves personally. Some of the examples included personal and family prayer morning and night, having regular family home evening, and reading the scriptures more. I have much room for improvement! I have set some personal goals that I look forward to attaining.

After church Mom had invited us to their house. They were having extra guests this Sunday and Mom requested Joey bring his guitar and Addi bring her flute. After a delicious lunch with such good company Joey began playing and we had a fun time singing and hearing Joey play and sing. Ms. Maria's favorite is "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" which Joey had performed at Erika and Jack's wedding for their first dance. She requested that one first and it was so special! He is SO talented! Addi played some pretty music on her flute and Ginger played "Canon in D" which we love to hear her play. Everyone had a good time--then we had little rest! (Especially Brandon--Joey serenaded him right to sleep! Ha!)

Yes, I think I'm going to just love November. What could be better--family, friends, church, Grandmother's cooking, and Joey's singing?! (Oh and FISHING!!) That's my idea of what heaven just may be like--it's the closest I've felt to it in a while. I believe I have the best family and sweetheart there is. At least that's what my heart tells me...