She's Baaaack!

As I announced before, my best friend was coming home from her mission. Well, she made it. We reunited at the Mesa temple and did a session together. Can you say happiness?

We became BFFs in 3rd grade when we noticed we were both wearing the same CTR ring and therefore found out we were the two Mormon girls in class. Ever since then we've been arguing about who would be getting married first, because whoever was 2nd would get to have the other in attendance at their sealing. Well, life isn't always what you think (I swore Maeg would be married before me). However, with her as a RM and me as a married woman, we were able to achieve a dream and go to the temple together. It was great.
Then she gave an amazing talk on Sunday for her homecoming. She's the same old Maego. It's already beginning to feel like she was never gone!
Sam told everyone I went home for the weekend to see my missionary.....
The Olsen sisters (minus very prego Nicki in New York) and I.
It was great to get to see so many friends at her homecoming. I finally got to see Monica with her cute pregnant belly!

Another highlight was meeting little Hank....

And of course I couldn't miss snapping a pic of this adorable guy. Oliver still has the most amazing eyes and lashes!

The weekend was way too short with so many people to see and things to do! I'm also very happy to report that we have another nephew who was born over the weekend. That post to follow....

Momma Mia

We've got some great moms around here, their names are Sallee and Diane.

Sallee was so kind in making me feel welcomed into the Nielsen clan. It is evident she loves all of her kids (and their spouses!). She is very sincere and thoughtful. Sallee always provides support and wants what is best for all her friends and family.
My mom is so thorough in everything she does; she is always thinking of others and performing acts of service. Like Sallee, she is also extremely supportive and full of love. I am often told that I am just like my mom - I take that as one of the best compliments I could get!

I also must add that they both LOVE being Grandma's!

Sam and I are so blessed to have such great mothers. Thanks for all you do Mom and Sallee! We appreciate your love, support, and coming out to visit us! We hope you have a very happy Mother's Day!

One Week

One week until someone gets their BFF back. Oh! That would be me.

Yes, Sister Olsen will be returning from the mish and will once again become MAEGAN Olsen to all who know her in just 7 DAYS. I can't even attempt to describe how excited I am.

Since November of '08, Maegan has been serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at Temple Square in Salt Lake City. She also spent 4 of those months serving in Montana.

I've been amazed at all the stories she shares about people she meets from all over the world. She has had really touching experiences and has been dedicated to her mission all 18 months. If you want to read some of her stories visit here (the awesome Dani Stolworthy has blogged all of Maeger's emails).

7 day countdown till Maegan is home. 8 day count down till I'm in Arizona to see her.

YAY!

What Rhymes with Spring?

WEDDING RING!!!!!

Yup, Sara Mildenhall and Dillon Christensen will be tying the knot 4 months from now! I'm so happy for these two. They are both great individuals and are going to make one outstanding team as a married couple!
Don't they just look amazing?

It's love. I seriously can't stop smiling since the second I found out.

Congrats my friends!

Ro Mottan Sam

Translation: Friends of Sam

Recently, Sam has had the opportunity to translate at the MTC a few times for Marshallese Elders who are there. He is so thrilled to use his Marshallese, but I think it makes him even happier to see his friends. Because the islands are so small, he pretty much knows (or knows of) each Elder that comes here. Each time he comes home from translating, Sam is just beaming as he tells me about his latest encounter with his friends.

One Sunday we finally remembered for Sam to take the camera. I couldn't stop laughing when I saw the picture...

How good looking is that group??? Sam said they do create quite the spectacle as the three of them walk around the MTC (Sam always in the middle) speaking Marshallese. Love it.

Easter Weekend

We had a great Easter weekend, I just wished I would've documented it with better pictures!

Between the two session of General Conference on Saturday, Sam and I had a couple of friends over for a brunch. I made the delicious Nielsen ebelskivers...

And Sammy took care of the bacon and eggs...
The brunch was a huge success! Yes, I was proud of myself because the ebelskivers turned out perfect on my first solo attempt! We even had a request to make this conference brunch a tradition, I think it just may become that!

Once the afternoon session was done, Sammy and I drove up to Salt Lake so he could attend the Priesthood session while I entertained myself with some shopping :) We then met up with G for a yummy dinner at Texas Roadhous. We were surprised and excited when we arrived at G's house and saw she had a whole set-up ready for dying Easter eggs! It was a lot of fun. Thanks G!
Sam and I were able to attend the Sunday afternoon session at the Conference Center. It was great as always! I wasn't able to get a picture there because SOMEONE was being a picture-party-pooper. Oh well.

And finally, we made it back to our home and had Curtis and Candace over for a delicious Easter dinner. I was excited to pass out the treats for dessert....

Hope you all had a Hoppy Easter!

Don't Go!

I have some major blog updating to do.

First item of business....Courtney Suzanne Lisonbee.
A couple weeks ago we had dinner with a bunch in honor of this hot lady. She had to gather all of her friends together so we could say goodbye before she become SISTER LISONBEE for the next 18 months.
Courtney will be entering the MTC on April 28th and will be serving in the Manchester, New Hampshire Mission!

I cannot believe it was a year ago this month that we put on our lovely blue caps and gowns to receive our diplomas!
Courtney and I met when we were both doing a semester at BYU-Hawaii. When we got back to BYU in Provo, we discovered we had a few classes together and later became, well, obsessed with each other. After graduation we even had the same job. I just couldn't get enough of my dear friend...
This wild woman will surely be missed! I'm just glad we were smart enough to get the family portrait done so we can hang it on the family room wall while she is away.
GOOD LUCK COURTNEY! I KNOW YOU WILL BE THE MOST WONDERFUL AMAZINGLY AWESOME SISTER MISH IN NEW HAMPSHIRE!!!

Really though, she will be. I have no doubt.