SIX!

Abby is six. It's hard to believe! Her birthday was last Friday. Matt had the day off (every other Friday is his day off) so we did chores, went to Costco, then came home and had a nice dinner of her choice. She wanted spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread.

Saturday she had 6 neighbor girls over (there are SO many kids in our neighborhood) for a princess party. They had fun. I only scheduled 1 1/2 hours for the party, but some of the parents stayed over 2 hours after that. It was fine, we like their company anyway, and we've been meaning to have them over.

Sunday brought a little bit of drama. I have a calling that means dealing with a really difficult person, and things came to a head. The bishop called me in (I felt like I was being called into the principal's office) and apologized for the stress. He didn't realize that I have more than one calling, and said with small kids one is enough, so he'd release me from the other. I've been wanting that for months, so it was a relief.

That evening we had the Seely's from our ward over. I love them! They're the kind of people that are just so easy to be around. Totally unpretentious, no expectations, relaxed and nice. We had a really nice dinner and hung out until bedtime. My mom and dad dropped by with a gift for Abby and some people might have been a little put-off or whatever, but the Seely's were fine and got to know my parents a little. We need to do more things with them.

Yesterday one of my dearest, dearest friends, Michelle, and her kids came over for the afternoon. Michelle was assigned as my VT when we first moved here. It was completely inspired. We were very fast friends. I really love her. I relate to her in a way that I don't with a lot of people. We always have the best talks and go away from our time together lightened and lifted. Did I mention that I love her? Allie and her little girl, Mikaela, are 10 days apart. It was so cute watching them touch each others' faces and coo at each other. Her 4-year-old, Deven, is a favorite of the other 2 girls and they all had a good time, too.

Today my friend Heirani is coming for lunch. She's from Tahiti, and ended up all the way over here in Idaho. She married a guy from Eagle that was in my stake growing up, and knows my sisters, but I don't remember him. His parents are friends with Kathy though, and Melody interviewed him for a job once. Small world. Heirani brings Tahitian sunshine with her, I swear. She is such a fun, loving, spiritual person. She's my VT now and I'm so glad that happened, because I'm so grateful to have her as a friend. Her little buy Brandon is Anna's age and loves to play with Anna.

I'm grateful to have so many good people in my life. I've been so focused on the ones that bring me grief and weigh me down. Last week I decided to focus more on the good, uplifting people around me, and man can I feel the difference!