I get to see my girls today!!

Moving Forward

Many of my thoughts are with my grandpa Mickelsen today.  What great life he lived.  Grandpa knew every little fact about everything.  He knew his geography, his agriculture, his science, he was a great poet, he knew how to have fun, and most importantly he loved his family, and the Savior, Jesus Christ.  Growing up, grandma and grandpa would like to take the grand kids out to Chuck-a-rama!!  For those of you who enjoy buffets, you may just enjoy this smorgasbord of food.  Grandpa would always remind us to eat our vegetables first!   My grandpa and grandma did an excellent job of teaching their children and grandchildren how to serve.  One year for Thanksgiving, my extended family on the Mickelsen side decided to serve Thanksgiving Dinner at a soup kitchen in Salt Lake City, UT.  I remember my grandpa making friends with everyone there.  At one point he was over at the piano singing and laughing with the homeless individuals. We couldn't go anywhere, without grandpa stopping to talk with someone.  He loved people. 

Another great memory I shared with my grandpa was when I was a student at BYU.  My relationship with grandpa strengthened in those years I lived in Provo.  I would frequently go to their house for Sunday dinners.  Grandpa would quiz me on my geography, and I always felt a little sheepish when I didn't know the answers!  "You're a college student!" he would declare, teasing me a little.  

Grandpa continually reminded his grandchildren to, "Keep their nose clean", and "keep the family chain linked".  Grandpa, thank you for the legacy you lived, and the lessons you taught me.  I love you! 

Done & Done!

My friend Erika and I trained for the Charlottesville, VA Half Marathon. Saturday was our big race! What a perfect day to run 13.1 miles :) The weather was beautiful, the run through the countryside was gorgeous, and we finished our race without stopping! We both were a little nervous when we learned this course was rated one of the steepest courses. It was difficult to train during the winter, but I am so glad we did. It was definitely worth it.

Here we are before the race...6:30am and looking our finest!

Our Cheerleaders! They were troopers to drop us off so early!

Ready for the race to begin!

We did it! We survived the hills!!

p.s. I LOVE CHARLOTTESVILLE!!!!!!! What an adorable city!
p.s.s. I will not be running a marathon...EVER!!

Happy Easter!

Grandparents & General Conference

Also while visiting Utah, I got to hang out with my brother, Brian, and my grandparents.  What a treat!  Brian and I headed to SLC Saturday afternoon to attend General Conference at the Conference Center.  It had been a while since I was last there.  I love conference.  I always feel motivated, and recommitted to try a little harder in my efforts to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, and strengthen my relationship with the Savior.  I feel a great sense of hope, and optimism after listening to the messages relayed by our living prophets and apostles.  It is always nice to spend some one-on-one time with my brother, Brian.  Brian was a freshman my senior year at BYU. We hit some of our old hot spots including, a j-dawg, and Cafe Rio!   

I am also very grateful for the time spent with my grandma and grandpa Mickelsen.  What neat people they are.  I love them so much! Grandpa is still in the rehabilitation center.  It was difficult for me to see him there.  It was nice to keep grandma company.  There are many qualities in my grandma mickelsen, that I hope to acquire someday.  At her age, she is still driving, laughing, and making the most of life.  Grandma is also very involved with family histories.  She has put many books together of our ancestors over the years.  I am amazed at the time, and hard work she's spent compiling all the life history books for her children and grandchildren.  It is something I hope to get involved with, in the near future. Thank you grandma for taking the time to go through your books, and teaching me about your grandmother!  

Brian & Grandpa

The four of us eating at the dining hall, and watching the Jazz game!

Let's Hear it for the Bells!

A couple of weekends ago, I had the opportunity to go to Utah for Melissa's wedding.  Melissa and I have been friends now for quite some time.  The frienship started at BYU, taking social work classes together.  We then headed to DC in 2005, to work at the National Council for Adoption.  Not only did we share the same bedroom, and internship, but we soon found that we shared many similar interests: the gospel, social work, traveling, shopping, eating, working out, music, and even prank phone calls.  After our Barlow Center days, we headed back to the land of Zion for our BYU graduation, and a move to Salt Lake City.  It was then, I was introduced to these great girls: Krista, Nici, and Natalie.  

Our year in Salt Lake is full of many great memories, including: Cancun Trip, Moab Trips, Harrison Cabin, Sugar House Park, Susana B-r-o-w-n-e and sometimes y, Blue Plate, dance parties, karaoke nights, and late night chats!  After a great year in SLC, Melissa and I were not quite ready to part.  We then headed to NYC to begin graduate studies in Social Work.  It was there we met these great girls: Kellie, Karen & Kristan.  Our year in NYC was also full of many great memories: FNL, Deluxe Diner, Isabella's, Broadway Shows, Central Park, Grey's Anatomy on the air mattress, hauling our purchased window air conditioners 10 blocks, because we were too poor to hail a taxi.  

It was in NYC, that Melissa met this wonderful boy:

From that time on, I knew something was different about this relationship.  Davis & Mel are great for eachother, and I couldn't be more happy for the two of them!  Does a bride get more beautiful than this?!

I moved to DC after graduation, and it was sad to leave this girl.  Thankfully she stayed in New York, and we made periodic weekend trips to visit each other.  Mel is definitely one of a kind.  I wish Mel & Davis the best of luck!  So glad I could celebrate this special day with her!