June so far

 After the Myers left I relaxed for a few hours. It is so much work having company but it was wonderful to have them here. Then I went and had brunch with my friend from high school Wednesday morning. We have actually been friends since 8th grade and I love that she lives close enough that we can meet up regularly to talk. She just gets me and there aren't many people in this world that do so I'm really grateful for her. We laughed and complained and talked baseball and dance and it was so fun. Thursday I did a whole lot of cleaning to get ready for my parents to come. I also went to Curtis's baseball game but after the first inning a crazy thunderstorm blew in so they called the game. Curtis has been playing so well and was invited to be on the all-star team but some of the games are while we are in NC at the beach so he couldn't do it. 

Friday I went to the gym and then up to the airport to get mom and dad. The traffic was rough and I was late getting them and back but it all worked out. Thankfully Missy was able to get Lily to dance for me and we made it home just minutes after the other kids got home from school. 

Saturday we went to Brandon's game and he played well; it was a fun one. Then Curtis convinced Grandma to get doughnuts so we stopped for those and then later picked Lily up for her rehearsal and then Josh went to stake conference. Lily hosted a bunch of girls from ballet to watch Alice in Wonderland since that is their show this year and it went well. It was nice to actually meet them all and they were all super polite and nice girls. I'm glad Lily has been able to make friends with them even though they live all over the county and I was proud of her for how she hosted them. I got them pizza and then left to go to stake conference for the adult meeting while Mom and Dad held down the fort. Lily and friends all had a great time and the other kids had fun with the grandparents and I got to go have a nice, quiet, spiritual experience so it was a win-win-win. I'm so grateful my parents are here and that they can support us and back me up. I had forgotten it was stake conference when I agreed to Lily's party idea and wouldn't have felt comfortable going if my parents hadn't been here. It is just so nice having other adults around who care about my kids and help me with all my responsibilities. I drove up to stake conference alone but enjoyed the quiet time and the meeting was really nice. I felt uplifted and ready to do better and be better. 

Sunday was stake conference at home and it was another great meeting then it was just quality family time (minus Josh who went to make a bunch of visits). We played games and went for a walk and had a nice dinner with the Schrams. They moved the next day and we are going to miss them, Mike especially. He went out of his way to help out our family and was always there for me when I had a crisis (like when my keys got locked in the car right before church and Josh was already at church). Emma loved going over to their house and telling them exciting news and Lily liked taking care of their cat when they went out of town.  So we had one last dinner with them and visited for awhile and then said goodbye, like we have done so many times before.

Monday I took my parents to Solomons and we had a nice walk and then went to the store. Then I had to go pick up Curtis from school because he wasn't feeling well. Then I taught piano and Lily had rehearsal and we went out to Outback to celebrate my parents' 60th wedding anniversary. They are such good examples to me and I love them so much. It will be fun to be with our whole family this summer to really celebrate. 

Tuesday I took my parents up to the temple and we went to the open house, then I took Curtis to the orthodontist and Lily to dance and then went to Brandon's baseball practice with mom. Curtis came too because coach had invited siblings and parents to play in a game versus the team and that was entertaining. All the other siblings were little and then Curtis is so big; it was pretty funny. It was Brandon's last practice and while I will miss cheering him on, I'm excited for a break from activities. 

Wednesday I went to the gym, we did some shopping and then it was dance and youth activities. That day was my parents actual anniversary so we got cheesecake for a special treat that night once we all got home. I've had some good talks with my parents and have just enjoyed having them around. They love me and tell me I'm wonderful and my kids are wonderful and I appreciate the positive feedback. It really builds me up and gives me the strength to keep going sometimes. Thursday I cleaned my room and bathroom and set up beds for Josh and I in the kids rooms because my in-laws came in from Colorado and so we gave them our room since my parents are in the guest room. They had lunch with Josh and I taught a bunch of piano lessons while they chatted with the kids. Last night Josh and his dad went to Brandon's game while the rest of us went to Curtis's game. He caught a pop fly and made a double play at one point and had one really good hit and got walked. He also pitched pretty well. He was tired and it wasn't the best game (he got annoyed at me for cheering) but overall he's had  a good season and experience. Brandon's team won and he played well. Lily had dress rehearsal last night and it went well too and tonight is her first show. I'm so excited to see her dance!