BFFaeae (Best Friends Forever and ever and ever)

Before Chistmas I got together with a few of my softball friends from high school for delicious Mexican food at Los Hermanos. Although Gabi, Holli, Kandice and Sar-Bear couldn't make it, me, Kellie, Keeli and Kayla had a great time. I'm so lucky to have such great friends. Gosh I love these girls.

After Senior Day 2008

Every so often we try to put together these dinners to see one another and catch up. Each time, our lives have changed more dramatically, and more of us live farther from Springville. I love hearing everyone's updates because it's so surreal that we are all real adults with real lives. Imagine that.

Dinner at P.F. Changs in 2009

Some of us are married. Some still dating. Some in school. Some graduated. Some in Springville. Some in West Jordan, Ogden and Kentucky.

At my wedding in July 2011

None of us have kids yet. So that's something. Doesn't this look like a group of great future mothers?

80's Stomp 2007

Some of these girls I haven't seen in over a year. But it doesn't matter. We don't miss a beat. Within minutes we are "glory days"-ing and laughing over inside jokes from 2002 or earlier.

Senior Softball Photos 2008

I'm so lucky to have these girls that are still counted among my best friends, 5 years after high school.  They still know me better than almost anyone (Beard). Friends 4 evaaaaaaaa.

Senior Prom 2008

The Beard and I talk about this often, especially when we are talking with our single male friends:

A girl having a somewhat consistent, long-term group of friends is a good sign of stability and low levels of crazy. Despite the duck faces. 

Sunshine Tournament 2007

We always tell our guy friends that a girl that has a different girlfriend every time you see her - run. Run fast and far.

Because those girls are even too crazy for OTHER GIRLS.

Yikes.

"That's LAME." - Ed Budge, My Father

The other day, I was sitting at my brother's baseball game and my dad goes-

"Dan, those shoes are cool." - Ed

"Thanks, Dad!" - Danica

".... Sometimes, Always, Never..." - Ed

I LOLed. And then pondered on the fact that my dad regularly reads my blog, even the girly S-A-N fashion posts, and supports me.

To the man who taught me to love the Chicago Cubs from Day 1

To the man who loves Disneyland more than anything

To the man who spent countless hours with me at the softball fields

To the man who put our family first

To the man who helped me get to the temple (and to the new dad I got in the temple! I have a Chad now too!)

I have always and will always be a daddy's girl. I love you dad! Thanks for being the best. Not LAME.

Not Your Average Mormon Housewife Recipe Blog

On the first day of school I'm having my students write a recipe... for themselves. This is a good way for me to get to know them, as well as providing an opportunity for creativity. We're also making a school-wide effort to increase reading and writing in all disciplines, which I think is a fantastic idea. Everyone, even you. Yes you. College attending or not. You should read and write more. (Hint: it makes you smarter.)

I have a policy of doing each assignment I'm asking my kids to do so that I make sure
A. It isnt ridiculous
B. I have good instructions for them
C. I can answer any questions/prevent problems

Therefore I condensed myself down to a recipe. What is YOUR recipe? Enjoy!

Preheat oven to St. George temperature - 80 degrees Farenheit.

Mix 7 seasons of The Office with 1 Liter of optimism in a mixer.

Add 3 softball games, one at a time. Mix on low.

Add 2 teaspoons of Zombie movies, 1 bag of microwave popcorn and a case of Diet Dr. Pepper. Let sit for 1 weekend.

Form into a short, blonde mass and sprinkle with a handful of classic rock.

Bake for 21 years.

Prepare a frosting of yoga and reading. Spread on when cool.

Serve with friends, family and students.

Makes 1 Mapleton Mustang.

Humongous Chocolate Bunny or Bust

Someone finished all her schooling this week.

Someone is excited for this upcoming weekend (reception tonight, shopping with mom and sister tomorrow, coloring Easter eggs with my favorite girls, not doing homework, and of course, eating one of these bad boys.)


Someone can't stop reading fashion blogs to plan outfits days in advance. {Obsessed with The Daybook and What I Wore right now.}

Someone is spending too much time online shopping for Easter dresses and coveting new spring shoes.



Someone will be learning to play Starcraft soon.

Someone joined a coed slowpitch softball team. Yikes.

Someone can't stop smiling.