home renovation

Well, we are now back from our beyond fabulous trip. We had a GREAT time, and the only bad part about it was having to come back. I told Chad he was on his own, that I was going to stay in North Carolina, and that he could figure out a way to pay the rent because I was quitting my job, but I still ended up getting on the plane anyway. After dealing with a snot of a sixteen-year-old (or sassy-mouthed, cell-phone using LIAR as I will choose to more affectionately call her) today, I feel the need to bask in more positive things. That is why you are now privileged to read about our exceptionally wonderful weekend. Here are the highlights, with the first being the BEST, and the rest being in no particular order:

1. The Performance. Watching a sensational performance by an amazing singer, accompanied by a killer jazz combo band. The singer, of course, was my beautiful mother-in-law. SHE WAS AMAZING! I am so thankful that we got to watch her perform; it is something I will never forget. I have heard her sing before, but this performance really highlighted how truly talented she is (and how FUNNY, my goodness, she had us all in stitches during some parts of her performance). I just wish they'd had a dance floor, because she had me wanting to get up and dance. (Chad, on the other hand was thankful that they DIDN'T, so that I couldn't force him to dance with me.) Can I just say, after watching her sing, I realized how truly thankful I am for the mother that she chose to be? She easily could have pursued a singing career. It is obvious that she gave up a lot of opportunities so that she could be an amazing mother, which is why I have such an amazing husband. Thanks, Joy!

2. The food. OH MY HEAVENS, THE FOOD! Did I ever eat!!! I think I probably gained back every pound I've lost since the summer. There was Bojangles, Carolina style BBQ, Andy's (five words: chili cheese burger and orangeade), and a plethora of food that came from the kitchens of Joy Reese and Prissy Hill, and what is NOT to savor about that? I don't regret a single calorie.

3. The weather. Everyone kept apologizing for the weather, but to us, it felt like a tropical paradise compared to Utah. We went for a drive with the top down, sat out on the back porch in shorts, and I got to wear sandals for the first time in ages. Plus, we got to listen to the rain, and oh how I do love sitting on the back porch and soaking in that sound. We loved it.

4. Shopping. Let's just say...I came back with more pairs of shoes than I left with...enough said.

5. The people. The people you know are happy to see you, and so are the people you don't. Everyone in the South is so friendly, and I love it. It was so fun to live in North Carolina last summer and really get to know so many people from Chad's home town. It was great to see so many people that we know and love. (Even though some visits were all too brief, sorry Wendi!)

6. Family. I always LOVE having time to spend together and this was no exception. It was especially wonderful to see Tyler, since we had not seen him since he got home from his mission.

So there you go, the memories of a wonderful weekend to console me after my encounter with aforementioned, hormone-driven teenager. AND, tomorrow is the last teaching day before Spring Break! YEA!!!