Back in Black... '98 Reunion Success!

Ahh... the sigh of relief... the reunion is over & it was sooo fun! Seriously - after all of the work & stress, I almost wondered if I would even get to enjoy it. But I totally did. And I think everyone who attended enjoyed themselves too. We had 100 attendees. The place was decked out in everything black & gold. The food was delish. And everyone was totally into my cheesy games. I love it! Success!

And before the pictures, I must acknowledge my amazing & talented friend Angie. We were senior class Co-Presidents. And have been a total team on this thing from the start. I have loved reconnecting with her & in the world of "being-stuck-doing-reunions-for-the-rest-of-your-life", there is no one I would rather be stuck with than her. Love ya Ang!!

Here are a few pics:

Arizona is hot.

Arizona is mega hot. But the wedding was fabulous. I just love my little Heather. And it was fun to have a bonding time (albeit a very rushed 1 day) with my Mom. Here are a few pics.

Me & Mom

Beautiful Heather

Happy Birthday...

September was filled with many birthdays - my Mom, dear mission friends Lisa & Anne, my best friend Lindsi, my close friends Dominique, Rene, Julie and then me! Here are a few pics of some birthday celebrations...

Birthday girls - my sister Kelly (8/19), my Mom (9/6) and me (9/19)

Birthday dinner with friends at Picanha, a Brasilian BBQ restaurant. Yum, yum!

Thanks everyone for the phone calls. I definitely felt the love. It was a great day. Thanks!

I'm Running in Circles...

Hi friends. Just wanted to say a quick hello & give a brief update. Yes - I've been a blog slacker lately. I'm just buried these days. July & August totally kicked my butt - so much so that I don't even want to recap.

September has likewise been busy so far. I was involved in a stake choir production. I was coach for our ward men's flag football team (which has been cancelled now due to other stake commitments). My 10-year high school reunion is less than 2 weeks away (and of course I'm in charge of the whole stinkin' thing). So right now I'm seeing everything in black & gold (school colors). Not to mention that virtually everyone I know & love has a birthday in September. And my dear friend Heather is getting married next week, so I'm fitting a short trip to Arizona in the mix as well.

Anyway - all is well. I'm alive & breathing. And have many blessing to be grateful for. This month I have reflected on the pride I feel to be an American and the freedoms that we are so blessed to enjoy. And 9-11 happens to be a day especially close to my heart. Not only did I reflect on the national events, but it also was my 6-year anniversary from the day I began my mission (yep - my report date was 9-11-02). It was overwhelming to pause & reflect on what a tremendous impact my mission has had in my life. Boy am I blessed!!

Well friends - I hope life is treating you well. Congrats on all of the new babies who have come along. And to all of those on their way. Thanks to my dear ones who have kept me sane as I've over-booked lately. And hopefully I'll have pictures & updates soon...

Loves!
Maren

What a mess!

Okay. So a few of you know that I spent part of the weekend out in the Palm Springs area. Sounds great, huh? But the real story is my family has a little rental property out there (it's a long story... don't ask) and the renter totally took off & trashed the place. I mean - trashed!! I was so apalled & cannot believe how people can live like that.



So here are a few before shots. And the pictures don't show how truly dirty it was - spills & trash & dog hair everywhere. And finger prints all over the walls. And grimy nasty bathrooms. Yuck!!

And after hours of some serious elbow grease - here are some after shots:

Thank you to the angels who came out & helped me. I couldn't have done it without you!!