Back into the Swing

Well, it took almost a month for us to unpack and get settled back into a normal routine!

The day after we got back from the wedding, I went in for an interview for the Instructional Coach position at the middle school.  For some reason, I was super relaxed.  I was offered the position less than an hour later.  Wow!  I said yes.  If nothing else, it gets me out of the HS and clearly my body can’t take the high school anymore.  I am anxious to be out of there.  I still have high hopes for LinnMar but this is a great back up position that I think I will really enjoy.

My orchids from last year have beautifully bloomed!  I thought they were dead and almost threw them out.  There’s a good gospel analogy in there somewhere..

The weather this week has been gorgeous!  Yesterday it was in the 60s!  You can tell it has been super windy though- but I dont mind.

The one bad thing about spring is the pollen count has been up so I havent slept the past 3 nights.  Bob has another infection starting.  We just want to feel good and be normal- is that too much to ask??

For Valentines Day, Bob got me some beautiful flowers and the book I have been dying for!!!

Not much else is going on and to be honest I really prefer it this way!

The aftermath

You could tell I was super tired by Saturday night.  For the reception, I forgot all the cute pens we bought for the tables. I forgot all the drinks, so poor Corey and Hal had to run to the store before the reception to get drinks, cups, and ice.  Then, when the cake was delivered I realized I had forgotten the plates, forks, and napkins, so someone had to run to the store and get those too.  I am one of the most organized people on the planet and all of this was planned for, but I think I was truly in survival mode.  Despite all of that, that day was a beautiful, truly wonderful success and thank you to everyone who helped us out!!!

The next day as we were about to travel out, we heard the freeway was closed again.  By the time breakfast was over, the road had reopened and we were on our way home!  Two of Nina’s kids got sick that day throwing up with that same stomach bug.  Thank goodness they didn't have to fly out until the next day, but by then, poor Tara had it too and literally threw up as she was boarding the plane!!

The next morning, as we were in the hotel breakfast room, I wasn't feeling so hot.  I ended up throwing up my breakfast but I had incredible aim and got it all back in my cereal bowl.  Pretty impressive!  It was a long drive home, and we hot the aftermath of a blizzard by Des Moines.  We counted over 22 cars/trucks off the road in the ditch and half of those were flipped over.  Nothing feels better than getting home and sleeping in my own bed!

Reception -Part 3

Reception (cont)

All the Ribera grandkids (minus Kayla and Alayna)

Catered by Coldstone!!!

Luncheon/Reception

Brandon's family hosted a wonderful luncheon! It was decorated so beautifully and catered and a huge break for us all!

The reception was in this quaint log cabin in Roy and was the perfect setting for the occasion (except that there was no heat)

Wedding Part 2

Congratulations to Kayla and Brandon Cox!

The BIG day!

One thing I wish I could have done differently for my wedding (actually there are several things) would have been to get my hair and makeup professionally done.  I had major hair issues- all my fault.  But I promised myself that for all my girls weddings, we would all go get our hair done so no one was stressed out about.  So, we started our BIG day at 7AM (after a very long day yesterday). I am so glad we did it because I think we were all happy and confident with the results.

Then we all got ready to go to the temple!

Kayla was extremely nervous, not about marrying Brandon- she was confident in that!  She was so worried she would completely pass out (like she almost did the day before).  I went to give her a hug before we went to the sealing room. I told her I loved you and she said, “If I eat a mint now will that keep me from passing out?” 

The ceremony was beautiful and so many people were in the sealing room with us!  I couldn't believe it.  My heart was so touched to see how we are all eternally linked.  It was a powerful picture!  Once he pronounced them husband and wife, Kayla visibly relaxed.  She just glowed.  She was so happy and I couldn't believe my little girl was married!