sometimes

Sometimes I drive by this blue cottage with a red door.
Sometimes I drive the long way to visit a friend just to see it.
Sometimes I wonder why I adore it so.
Sometimes I wonder if the inside is just as darling as the outside.

Sometimes, more like every time, I say to my husband,
"this is my favorite home in Utah."

Sometimes I get a blank stare.
Sometimes I think he secretly likes it just as much as I do.

...probably not, but we will work on it!

I spy little Charlie...

in Daddies closet!
We were getting ready for bed when we heard some noise coming from the closet.
We found little Charlie hiding behind the ties and belts!
We had a good laugh and had to get some pictures of our little boy!

Korine's baby shower

:: the spread ::

chicken salad croissants, pasta salad, fruit salad w/ dip,
tortilla chips w/ Mexi-ranch dip, veggies, cupcakes and lemonade.

:: the gifts ::

:: owl/outdoorsy themed shower ::

:: attendees ::

:: Kylee and Stefanie :: :: Marilyn and Amy ::

:: Amber and Daisy :: :: Korine, Julie and Walker ::

:: Elise, Korine, Katherine :: :: Mary Grace, Katherine, Elise ::

:: the lovely party goers ::

:: party favors ::
"take home S'more fun!"

Korine's shower turned out to be a success! It was fun to plan and carry out Korine's baby shower. Big thanks to Stefanie Hathaway for hosting the party at her place and also her delicious pasta salad and fun games! Kylee made scrumptious cupcakes and Angie made the cutest invites, so thanks ladies!
It was fun seeing many friends from my home stake and catching up on their lives. It's always a pleasure to sit and talk with Grandma Marilyn and she gave me some great advice on motherhood.

To the future mom:
Korine, if anyone is ready to be a mom, it's you! You are a nurturer, caregiver, loving and thoughtful person and you will make a wonderful mother to your little Vaughn and all future Dellenbach babies! I love you and can't wait to see Baby Vaughn!

I love my calling

{ Jess, me, Anna }

I don't think I have ever blogged about my calling in the church.
I guess I never felt the urge.
However, my feelings are at the surface this week and I thought I would share.
I currently serve as a Relief Society president in my BYU student married ward.
I have had this calling since late June 2010 and I cannot be more grateful for the experiences and friendships I have made.
There are two Relief Societies in my ward and the other presidency was just released. I have loved working with these wonderful sisters and we celebrated this time of change last week at Malawi's in the Riverwoods. I have worked very closely these past 10 months especially with Jess and we have helped each other through tough and fun times as we serve the sisters and families in our ward. Most of the sisters in the other presidency will be moving out of the ward and our time to serve together has ended. I will still hold my calling till the summer and I just love the new presidency that was called last week. I know we will grow together like the last presidency and I am looking forward to serving with them.

{ here's a picture of me with the North Relief Society }
me, Jess (president), Anna, (2nd. counselor), Cami (secretary), and Amanda (1st counselor)

I thought I would introduce my AMAZING presidency!

1st Counselor: Kaitlin Ellingson

2nd Counselor: Karen Hodges (in blue)

Secretary: Kendyle Hakes

Where do I start with these wonderful sisters?
They are perfect. We work very well together and have become great friends from this calling. Kaitlin helps keep us positive and can always make us laugh even through the rough times. Karen is willing to serve at all times and I love that about her. Kendyle does SO much for our Relief Society and keeps things organized. That really is not even skimming the surface to what they have done. I love working with these woman and they have taught me so, so much.
The Lord truly sent me angels to work with and I am forever grateful.

first taste of spring

The other day was bright and beautiful.
The first day I've taken Charlie out to the park this year.
The first day I took him for a stroll around our neighborhood this year.
I am so excited for the weather to warm up even more!

Charlie and his best friend

Katie's Cali bridal shower

I took many pictures at the shower, but one camera got lost and the others I need to retrieve from my sister's camera. So here you have it!! Katie's bridal shower in California was really fun and I enjoyed helping throw the shower for her. I was so glad that my sister Leanna was in town for the shower because I couldn't have done it without her. Usually one of us sisters were watching the kids while the other made food, decorated or what have you. It was a group effort to throw this shower! Katie is so loved by so many people in our stake and friends from school. She is so, so special to me and I'm so happy for her to jump into married life with her love. I love you cub, cub!

The Manti Temple

Our friend Jessica Sorrenson went through the temple on Tuesday and I was invited to attend. She chose the Manti Temple, which is absolutely breathtaking but rather far from Provo. It snowed the night before and I thought the roads would be clear since the sun was out. WRONG... the roads after the Spanish Fork Canyon were all slush for about 45 minutes and driving only 24 mph, I was reluctant to turn around and call it a day. I am not from Utah and am VERY scared of the snow and especially slush on the roads. I said a million prayers that day and thankfully we arrived safely. Only 10 minutes too late that is. I came all that way, drove through the worst roads I've ever experienced to find out I didn't make it. I was pretty disappointed but I had other options. I ended up having one of the most spiritual experiences at the temple that day and I realized something important.
Nothing should keep me from attending the temple.
I am so grateful that we have temples to worship in. To find peace. To find direction.
To strengthen our testimonies. To find out more about our Savior Jesus Christ.

Katie's Utah bridal shower

-the food-

Now, time for presents!

My little sister Katie is getting married in 3 WEEKS!! So, last weekend me and the mother of the groom threw Katie a shower mostly for her fiance's family. It was an emergency preparedness/food storage bridal shower which was my first to attend and help plan! I am so glad we went along with this theme because Katie is set for life. I am so, so happy for my baby sister and can't wait to head to California to prep for the wedding!!

New Year's Eve in Hilton Head, SC

Hilton Head is absolutely beautiful!
This is supposed to be the middle of winter and the South Carolina coast is warm and full of sunshine! We spent some time with a family friend chatting and taking a walk to this lovely beach. Little Charlie loved the water and did not want to leave. He enjoyed playing with daddy in the water and being pushed in his stroller by Grandpa. I'm so glad we were able to visit Hilton Head even if it was only for a few hours and I am so grateful for Charlie's family and for the quality time we were able to spend with them. His parent's became our traveling buddies as we spent time in Savannah and Hilton Head for New Years.