Darkness before the Dawn

As the old proverb goes, "It's always darkest before the dawn."

Darkness:

Convention 2013--the biggest event of the year is now over! Months of prep (my prep started in November) and it's actually over. I am still pinching myself!

The event was down in SLC. We arrived on a Sunday and didn't stop till the next Sunday. My responsibilities included the logistics behind all our breakout sessions (workshops), the Convention Guide Book, and one of our events within the event.

My load was heaviest leading up to the event. My the month leading up to the event was the worst. I never left the office before 8 PM and most nights I was there till 10 PM or later. I can say it was one of the hardest things I have ever done but things on site at the event went SO well and I was so grateful for all the extra time I spent finessing and obsessing over my projects. I learned so much and I will do better next year!

I had 2 radios and all sort of gadgets during the workshops to  put out all the fires. My pants were sagging from the weight! Getting used to an ear piece wasn't easy ever but boy was I grateful for those walkie-talkies! 

Saturday night was a late night. We had the awards banquet where we had to get all fancy and get our hair and make-up done. I had to take this picture in the morning as my "event hang-over" photo. Classic.

And the dawn?...

ARIZONA!

To keep my sanity, I booked a flight home for a few days after the event. I flew out Sunday morning out of SLC and spent a few days with my family in AZ--it was a DREAM! Even though I left Nephi at home, it was a blast and exactly what I needed. There is no better therapy than spending time with my family. They make me so happy! 

We shopped, ate, I got to see my best friend, got a pedicure and a massage--it was perfect. Not everyone was home but I still loved every minute. I loved seeing my parents especially...I miss them more and more every day! They are always begging us to come visit and making sacrifices to see us. They are the best.

The highlight of my week?! This baby girl! 

She makes me SO happy! I miss her like crazy. She is walking and has so much personality. I feel sick thinking of her growing up without us being close to her. I was so grateful that I got to spend so much time with this phone loving, cheese eating, snow cone stealing niece of mine!

I also got my hair done! I love it. It has red in it now and it is the perfect color for me! I even cut it a little shorter...think I will keep it short for the rest of the year. I have had so many compliments since I cut it in January. People don't realize that I have always had short hair until the last few years--this is my normal look! I guess it fits me and it is easier to work with. I try not to make it look too "Utah Mom poofish" <my biggest concession with short hair>.

And I need a new phone case.