What's in a Family?

My cute niece, Josie, at my sister Ashley's reception.

I spent an excellent weekend in Las Vegas. My siste who got married a few weeks ago had her reception. It was a really lovely affair. I got to spend some good quality time with Chris. It was great. Jinny and Kimball were kind enough to host us, and it was great to get to spend some more time with them and catch up. Jinny really is one of the best friends I have/have ever had, and also has the biggest heart. You know you've got a great friend when, after being around them, you want to be a better person and have faith that you can be better. Jinny is just that kind of friend.

I don't know if it's that I'm older or married or what, but I feel like every time I go home it gets better. I feel less like I'm slipping through the cracks—and never like I want to. I used to feel that way around my huge family; I could only handle so much of them, and after a while I would drift off to my room to hole up and read. I remember feeling like I didn't have a place in a family so full of people.

But now I love every minute of being around them. Things get easier with all of my siblings and my parents. Not that it was ever very hard, because my family is AMAZING and we all get along and are very close. Maybe my family treats me more like an adult, or maybe I just am more adult—more grown up and in a better place. But still, it's a great feeling. They are amazing people, all very different, but all full of hope and love and charity. I'm so blessed to have them in my life and to be a part of such a great fam.

Also, it's getting so lovely out. There are tulips along our walkway. Freakin' tulips! Those don't grow in Vegas, and were sort of rare even in Rexburg. I am loving spring time.

Chris got accepted to an Interactive Media program at Elon in NC. He's really excited about it, and I'm proud of him. We'll be spending the next few months preparing/scraping money together to go. Everyone I've talked to has said the NC is really green, even if the people there can be blatantly racist. It'll be an adventure.

Eew, spiders.

I've spent the morning cleaning out my closet, which is a terrifying project because there are spiders in there. Like, a lot of them. SPIDERS THE SIZE OF MY HAND. I saw at least three, and after recovering from some serious heebie-jeebies, I grabbed the vacuum and sucked those suckers up. I feel really bad killing bugs/spiders, but not so much that I can handle running into them cleaning my closet. Nope.com, peoples!

Chris and I got a new car. We actually got it while ago but I guess I forgot to mention it here? Because whatever. Anyway, it's a 2008 blue Nissan Versa, and I pretty much lurve it. It's nice to be having our own care to worry about instead of feeling bad/worrying about breaking others' vehicles.

Chris and I are coming up to the end of the month-long menu that we were trying. Some of the meals were WAY good, some were just ok, some I felt like I didn't quite do right. But overall, I was really pleased with the results. Some favorites were: Salsa fry-up, pad thai, lentil-herder's pie, Irish goulash, ginger garlic stir fry, sag daal, tortilla casserole, and pizza. I got some great, easy new recipes that I love, and even better, I got the motivation to try some new recipes. Also, I got some healthier alternatives to some old favorites that were pretty heavy and calorie-loaded (veggie enchiladas).

Happy Birthday, Husband!

Chris's birthday was yesterday. I made him a delicious pizza (garlic butter, tomato slices, artichoke hearts, parmesan and mozzarella) and some carrot cake. The cake got this weird crust on it, like the edges had caramelized. I'm not sure if that is supposed to happen, but it was still delicious.

I also ordered Chris a couple of gifts, but they didn't arrive in time. In fact, they probably won't be here until next week. Sad face! And since Chris doesn't read my blog, I'll divulge them: some weird gadget he asked me to order (he explained what it was but I've since forgotten) and a Rebel Alliance hoodie. Chris rarely admits that he needs new clothing and will wear stuff until it wears out and beyond, so when he says "I think I might need (a) new ___" I jump on that!

You should read his blog post, "26 things I learned in 26 years." It will make you laugh, promise.

Tonight we are going to eat in. I'm trying a new recipe for lentil loaf (vegetarian meatloaf). Then we are going to see Hanna, which looks like it kicks so much butt. I'm excited.