My Homies

So, as most people know already, we've found a new place to live for the next year. I'm super excited because it's not only a townhouse, but it's 1500 square feet! THREE bedrooms!! That's a bigger space than I've lived in for the last SIX years!

Well, that Drew and I have rented. Or just me on my own.

Anyhoo...I've had a blast in the First Ward. I loved it there. It felt right. Like home. We were in there for about 5 months and I taught the Mia Maids (14-15 yr olds) and I LOVED them. Then we switched to the Second Ward and I taught the Laurels (16-17 yr olds) and I loved them too, but I had a better connection with the other ward.

Well, we've been back in the First ward for a while now and I teach Relief Society (18+ yr olds) but I still like talking to the girls I taught in between classes and whatnot.

Sooo...last night they threw me a FAREWELL party! I haven't taught them for a year! I was so flattered that they still liked me enough. And we had a lot of fun. We played signs and ate Funfetti cupcakes (my favorite) with ice cream and they gave me a notebook with their signatures and messages in it. It was SO SO SO sweet. A perfect way to leave the ward.


Some of the girls that threw the party (nice 'stauch, Carlie)



These are the girls I taught aka My Homies: Jennifer, Jacqueline, and Carlie


I love you girls! I'll miss the First ward!

WICKED!! (again!)

In a week from tomorrow, Mama Pepper and I are going to Dallas to see





I'm so excited! Mama Pepper hasn't seen it yet, so I'm so excited for her to see it! Drew and I saw it in NY and I LOVED it!! I've been listening to the soundtrack nonstop (which is extremely annoying to Drew) and my favorites are:

The Wizard and I
What is this Feeling?
Popular
I'm Not that Girl
Defying Gravity
For Good

Aubrey's Wedding

This past weekend Aubrey Thorpe officially became Aubrey Qualls! We took LOTS of pictures because we made a little scrapbook for the newlyweds, so I wanted to post some of the pics, since it was fun being there!

The Pepper clan (minus Matt)


My little family


Some of the couples that were there


Serene came!


Wasn't she pretty?


The blushing...groom?


I love Maddie.


Grandma and Lukie Doo

Happy Mother's Day

I am blessed enough to have two wonderful mothers as an example to me. I wanted to share one favorite memory of each mother.

Mama Pepper: I think my favorite memory I have is when Matt, Kevin, Drew and I all flew to Texas for Mama Pepper's surprise 50th birthday. Drew's grandparents made me dance with the boys in front of about 40 people I didn't even know and I did it ... grudgingly. But that's not my favorite part. They had each kid come into the room, and since everything was a surprise, she had no idea we were there. Drew and I weren't even officially engaged yet but when Mama Pepper saw Drew she said, "Where's my daughter?" And when I came into the room she ran over and hugged me and she was so happy. I love that memory. I am so grateful to be her first daughter!

















Mamacita: I think one of my favorite memories of my mama is when I was in high school. I was running for Director of Communications. My mom helped me put up sign after sign and she made little stickers for people to wear and she was SO supportive. I ended up not winning (Merced High's loss) and when I got home from the election convention my mom had flowers and chocolate waiting for me (I had already told her I lost). It made me feel so loved when I was so down.
















I am so grateful not only for the moms in my life but that I get to be a mom to the sweetest little boy. I hope I am as good a mom as the moms I know are. Happy Mother's Day!!

iPhone in a box

Or six. My little brother sent me his iPhone because he is leaving on his mission next month (to the PHILIPPINES!!) and for some reason he felt the need to put the iPhone in six different boxes before he mailed it. Crazy boy.