Farewells and Goodbyes

Party #1 (SUPRISE!!) Last friday we had a dance at church and some of my most amazing a creative friends decided to throw me the BIGGEST SUPRISE FAREWELL PARTY any missionary has ever had. Britney stauled me after the dance and then we came home to a house full of tons of friends as well as a pancake breakfast! I was sooooo happy and excited to have such a great suprise. Krista and Britney partners in crime and close buddies for some time now and I am going to miss them terribly.We danced and ate all night and I definintely went to bed with a huge smile on my face.

That Sunday I had to give my first of two farewell talks, this one in the University Ward. It was bitter sweet because I really have grown up a lot while in that ward. It didn't go as well as I thought it would (I was very nervous), but I knew my big talk was the following week so I was geared up for that.

Party # 2 . The following day all the people at the office got together for dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. It was fun to have the family meet all my friends and co-workers at the office. Our office knows how to have fun!There are some families and friends that I have grown so close to, its amazing how blessed I have been.

On Friday Grandma Pat Hargett came all the way from North Carolina to listen to the farewell talk and spend time with me before I left! How awesome is that? We have had a great time catching up and spending time together. She is probably the funnest and most active 75 year old lady I know. She attends all the major events for all of her 23 grandchildren- what a woman!

Party # 3 for the week: The Family Friend's Open House. We invited family friends just for a casual ice cream dinner. It was great to see families that had helped raise me and how they were doing. it was a caus

Around that brings us to today. Wow what a day! I think I am the most loved young woman around! I invited the office to my farewell in my home Rio Grande Ward. I was VERY nervous to speak infront of so many friends who I usually am goofy and secular with rather than serious and religious. It was a side of me that I have shared a small part of, but it is such a huge part of my life.Well, I was so so amazed that about 20 people with their families and kids from work came to watch! I almost cried when I saw these people who had never been to a Mormon congregation come to support and show their love for me. The talks went very well. Andrew spoke, followed by Mom and Dad. Erin and the young women did a beautiful musical number as well which really brought the spirit to the meeting. I had a hard time from being emotional as I tried to convey my testimony and share the reason for my decision to serve a mission with the people I love. It was an amazing meeting and I hope what we said touched people's hearts. Now basically all the parties and farewells are over; it is really happening that I am leaving.

Family pictures after church (of course the dogs had to get in the picture)

Preparing

I had such a great weekend! We drove up on Friday to Albuquerque and spent the night (Mom, Dad, Andrew, Aubrey and I). The following morning we woke up at 5:3om before the sun was up to go to the temple. After the session we rushed back to the hotel to pick up Andrew and Aubrey to go watch Erin's All State performance at UNM. She did so well on her solos, it actually made me a little teary eyed. I was so proud! She is such an amazing musician.

 Mom, Andrew and Aubrey waiting for the concert to begin.

After the amazing performances, we all went out to eat and then spent the afternoon at the Explora Hands-On Science Museum. I think I enjoyed it more than any of the kids there! We all played like children for a few hours and then the family returned home.

We found a cool mirror tube at the museum to take pictures in. Check out what a daredevil mom I have! I was pretty nervous, not gonna lie!

My close friends Tanya and Courtney picked me up and I spent the night at her house in Rio Rancho, catching up on old times. It was such an amazing weekend and great getaway from the stress of work. The temple just made the whole day, and probably this whole week will go by wonderfully. What a jam-packed amazing weekend huh?

Courtney, Brandon & I waiting for the fresh Krispy Kremes. (Tanya is taking the picture). What goof-balls!


30 more days and I will be in the MTC! Everyday I try to spend time with my family and friends and prepare to serve the Lord. Of course I'm having fun while doing it all! :)

P.S. - Found this quote I really liked:
"To every man there comes in his lifetime that special moment when his is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered a chance to do a very special thing, unique to him and fitted to his talents, what a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for that which would be his finest hour." -Winston Churchill