Summer is here

This weekend was hot and humid, and it's probably here to stay.

Friday night I mowed the back yard. Despite the insect repellent I was wearing, I was eaten alive by mosquitoes.

Saturday morning my friend Denise Brandon moved. Not the most pleasant day of the year to be moving. The truck was delayed, so I was only able to help with the first half, but overall I think it went okay.

Saturday afternoon we had a baby shower for Mandi McCracken (and Joseph!) at my house. Laura Tovey did most of the coordination and everyone chipped in with the food, so my job was pretty simple. I think it turned out rather nice, if I do say so myself!

Saturday night I watched PS I Love You. Yes, I knew what it was about a young widow, and I knew it would be emotionally hard to watch. My roommate had been watching a show on an serial killer earlier, and I figured this movie couldn't be much more difficult! The movie was PG13, for good reasons, but beyond that, it was pretty well done. Sometimes exploring my emotions is surreal. I smile every time I think of the "little reminders" that Todd has left in my life of how much he loved me. Number one thing Todd did before he died was to identify his killer, and we will all be forever grateful for that. Some of Todd's gifts I got right away, others I am discovering and rediscovering over time. One of my favorite gifts was his copy of the Mormon Tabernacle, Consider the Lilies he had left at my house. I love the combinations of the soothing music and the songs of praise and rejoicing. It was comforting in July 2007, and it is still comforting every time I listen to it. I don't know how I would have survived this last year if Todd's family hadn't been in the area. I am giving Todd some credit for that 'gift' as well. I was in Primary (the children's class at church) on Sunday and a new teacher asked where I got my little songbook. - It was Todd's, and now I have it, to help me fulfill my calling. I have been pulling out some of Todd's books and started to read them. I have a replica of the Currituck lighthouse out at work that Todd gave me, that I get to see often. I am happy that he was supportive of my pursuit to visit lighthouses around the US. The list goes on and on, but I am grateful for Todd's continued presence in my life, and his example of sacrifice and bravery.

Sunday I had a full house over for dinner. We had a Family Home Evening with the Rogers family. In addition to David, Carma, and Lisa, Dottie Tormey (David's sister) joined us from Utah. My roommates Heidi and Angelee were there, my cousins, David and John Knoche, and Angelee's friend David made David #3! Since it was the week before Father's Day, I enjoyed hearing some about people's forefathers!

I misplaced my camera, so this weekend didn't get documented. I found my camera Sunday, and then I forgot to take pictures. Oh well, hopefully I'll do better next week.

I am looking forward to two country concerts this week!
Trisha Yearwood
and
Honkey Tonk Confidential