Really busy week...

This past week was really busy but really nice. I accomplished alot, spent some really quality time with family and friends, started something new, took care of some things I've needed to do myself, and had a lot of fun. Also the rental house is now FINALLY vacant after much frustration so I have an added project to do in the near future -- cleaning, painting, and getting it ready to be sold.
Here's a quick week at a glance:
Monday - worked in the morning then off to Dr. Johnson's office for a crown (OUCH to my wallet!) I have a temporary on a back tooth I somehow cracked and go back this week for the permanent crown. Addison began a new job at a different eating establishment (I wasn't very happy about it but she loves her new job.) Had dinner with Joey at Arby's while Addison was at work. Got Addison all enrolled for EFY in Virginia but checking the website daily for openings in Provo at BYU or Rexburg (BYU-Idaho) so she and Jordan can transfer and go there (they just know how charming they'll be with their sweet Southern accents in Utah or Idaho!) They're so cute!
Tuesday - worked then joined "Curves" and set some new personal goals - It's going to be a great journey with exciting results! (Looking forward to the future!!) Talked to Anne in California for a while and wished her much fun on her trip to Hawaii -- she leaves Wednesday (2/27) -- Aloha, Anne!
Wednesday - "Curves" at 6 AM with my friend, Jackie, then off to work, and to church with Addison after work.
Thursday - worked, "Curves" after work with Jackie, date out with Joey (and Tiawanna, Jackie, Lavada, etc.) to the Windmill for dinner and dancing...only the dancing didn't work out - the music was great - a one-man band who was really good but it was SOOOO smoky in the restaurant we couldn't stay after eating and Joey got really sick from the smoke after only about an hour. (Too bad places still allow smoking inside - it should be banned from EVERYWHERE! SO DISGUSTING!!!!! Get with the program, people, this is 2008 and we know the dangers of 2nd hand smoke!!!! Okay, my major complaint for the post! Ha!) I guess we need more frequent dances as ward activities - I was really looking forward to showing off the new line dances I'd learned at the last ward dance activity! ha!
Friday - worked, picked Addison up from school, she went to work, I took Joey to work (first day on night shift - poor Joey, but so glad he's feeling much better) then I went to Sister Oakley's Birthday Party at the Ridgeway Ward. She's 82 years old and looks 55-- she's amazing and gorgeous! It was such a fun

party and the game was really fun. You had to carry a penny between your knees then drop it in the jar -- Daddy got it in first try! You go, Daddy! He's so amazing! It's also been so fun having Janet (Sis. Oakley's daughter) here visiting this week from Seattle.
Saturday - Yard Sales early in the morning (a favorite Saturday activity!), chores/housework (except my clothes dryer broke so we had laundry hung everywhere to dry!) then off to the Boy Scout Chili Cook-Off / Auction where I bid on and won a haircut and style and 3 months of piano lessons for Addison! Yay! That was so fun. Jackie went with Tiawanna and me and afterwards we went shopping at Target where Darla met up with us and we went out to Sandhills to see "Definetly Maybe" (really cute movie - just a little questionable content - why can't they just leave certain things out????!!!!! SO HOLLYWOOD!!!!) We had a lot of fun, though, talking and laughing and just enjoying girls' night out time. Then the last highlight of my day was seeing Ethan went he got home just after midnight. It was great having him home even if just for a day and a half and having him at church with Addi and me today. Chloe got so excited when Ethan got home -- she loves him so much! It was cute!
Today - Beautiful Sunday! Church was awesome as always, the lesson on "Never Giving Up" Laresa gave was wonderful. I needed to hear that and feel the Spirit reassuring me that I can do things and it is by hard work and perseverance that we attain the greatest blessings. "Sacrifice brings blessings" is something Ginger and my mom have said over the years and it's so true. Thank you, Laresa, for this lesson...I think it was just for me. I came home and looked it up and I need to read this several times and keep reminding myself of its message. After church we went to mom's and got to see some family as they were leaving church at the Ridgeway Ward. Jody, Perry, and Kyle got a new PT Cruiser convertible that is just beautiful and we were admiring it. And wasn't today such a beautiful day so they had the top down and I had to get a picture of them. They are so sweet. Lunch was terrific as usual and then we sneaked a few zzzzz's (actually a lot of them) and then headed home after visiting with mama and daddy outside for a while. Daddy was showing us his pretty flowers out back and my favority are the daffodills that are blooming so he dug us up one to plant. I hope it will be pretty like his someday. Once home I visited with Joey a short while before he left for work (two nights down and two to go, Joseph!) and then our home teachers, Brother Adams and Uncle Buddy came to visit before Ethan left for school. We had a fun visit, had prayer, and Ethan left shortly after the home teachers. I spoke to Erika just a few minutes ago and she and Jack are heading to Salt Lake City in the morning to visit some family and to go car shopping there. Ya'll be careful and drive safe. I love and miss ya'll and look forward to seeing you before long. Addi and I are about to call it a day and get some sleep. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe week. Happy March!

Mom with Sister Hoskins, Sister Oakley, and Ms. Maria