Viva Las Vegas!

 It’s that glorious time of year again, when we take our annual trip to the city of sin.  This year was so much fun! I did all the things I wanted to do. I didn’t allow myself to be persuaded by the group. It was awesome and a little empowering. I also think everyone else felt better about what they chose to do as well! 

We flew in Sunday and had dinner with the whole family at the Wynn Buffet.  It was actually really good food but not worth $120 per person. After the buffet, we went to Awakening. A very juvenile show about a girl who lost her parents. My boys would have loved it; however, I did not. It was like watching a video game. Boring dances and a terrible plot line. When the show was over, we stopped by the group and said good night, then went back to the aria to sleep. I haven’t been a big fan of the aria in the past, but this year it was fine. 

Monday morning, I met Craig, Blair, Kendra, and Mike at the gym. We did a fun workout then headed straight to breakfast. I intended to go back to the room but didn’t. So I didn’t have my wallet all day. It made for an easy shopping day. Ha! Jared was a little mad at us from leaving the show the previous night so we dealt with a bit of drama before breakfast. We had planned to eat at Mon Ami Gabbi at 10:15. Sharla texted and said she was going to be late. Jared was still mad about feeling left out so he didn’t show up for breakfast until 11:15. So we ate and waited an hour outside the restaurant before we headed to the Bodies exhibit at the Horseshoe hotel. I loved the exhibit! It was extremely interesting to see the REAL human bodies on display! Afterward, we separated from the group. The girls went shopping and the boys went gambling. 

After shopping we went to secret pizza and then straight to bed! Tuesday was spa day! My favorite day. I had an amazing $450 massage and had fun with Blair and Kendra doing all the spa stuff. We stayed at the spa all day! That made for an extremely relaxing day. We went to Hell’s Kitchen for dinner, which I do not recommend. It was fine, but not worth the high price tag. Skip it! 

Wednesday was our last full day and we had so much fun. We spent the day at the cabana then went to Vic and Anthony’s for dinner. After dinner we sang hours of karaoke and had a blast! Seriously, this was such a good trip! 

Thursday was our last day.  We had breakfast at Sadelle’s and it is my absolute favorite place to eat! I always get the French toast and enjoy every single bite! Overall, this was one of my favorite Vegas trips including watching mike win $1000 on one play at the tables. It was so fun! Until next year, Vegas!

Easter

 Easter was beautiful this year. Nolen played in the orchestra that accompanied the choir! My dream come true! I finally got to sing with one of my boys playing for me! It was awesome. My mom is still not doing well. She is down to 81 pounds. I am starting to think she won’t be here for much longer. It is hard to watch her decline for months now. The boys hunted eggs at my parents house and we may have outgrown the traditional egg hunt. 

A hair cut take two

Edward has been struggling with some difficult teen issues these last few months and it all finally came out this month. It is very popular to change your gender and identity right now. Many of Edward’s friends are dabbling in changing their names, gender, and species. It is absolutely confusing to be a human right now. I am walking through this crisis with Edward. It is a crises. It is an epidemic of lost children who no longer believe they are children of God. It is scary but I am here to be Edward’s guide through these turbulent times. We are tackling this issue together. Nolen cut his hair a few weeks ago and I asked Edward if he wanted to cut his hair to change part of his identity. He agreed.  He looks so handsome to me. 

The last day!

 From audition to closing night, it has been three full months of rehearsing and late nights. I am so glad I was a part of this show. It was very fun to be Cinderella's mother, granny, the harp, and the giant. These four roles were challenging each in their own way. I’m not sure I would do it again, knowing what I know now, but it has been an adventurous learning experience to say the least. I loved the cast and crew. It was so fun getting to know new faces. 

This weekend, Melanie Iverson and Anders came for a visit. I am so glad I got to hang out with them for the weekend. It made closing weekend so much fun. Nolen and Anders played Roblox, went to the jump park, and had a blast all weekend. 

18 years with the love of my life!

 These last 18 years have been a wild ride. I wouldn’t have it any other way. The last few days have been extremely difficult. Stephen has had some unforeseen health challenges and Edward is struggling with knowing who he is in this world. I have been more stressed than I can exclaim, and being a part of this show has made it even more difficult; however, we have no choice but to move forward together as a family. We love each other, but more than that, we are here for each other. We care about each other and support each other. I know I am loved, deeply. I love my family with every single fiber of my being. I want to fight the troubles of the world with them. I want to walk through the fire with them as we battle the trials of life. Although, the challenges of this year couldn’t have been avoided, I’m glad we have each other more now than ever. 

We went to church today, then to my show, and then to dinner at Los Poblanos Farm for dinner. I love these boys! 

A haircut!

 Nolen officially decided to get ride of his Mohawk! He has sported the Mohawk for the last seven years. It very much became a part of his identity. He was nervous to show anyone that he changed his hair, so he wore a hoody to school and to track until he finally decided other people’s opinion didn’t matter too much. I think he looks handsome either way. 

Edward has quit archery so we are moving forward with another sport. He is loving airsoft with his friends. So we are trying to take him at least once or twice a month.