The Derrick Adventure: Friday Five

1. Women's Conference. Last weekend my mom and I were able to sneak away and go to the general women's conference together. The whole day was such a bummer. I was feeling down in the dumps and Will was being a pain, so it was so nice that evening to escape and just talk over donuts and watch the broadcast together. I don't know what it was about this particular session, but every talk spoke straight to my heart. I thought the messages were so powerful and I can't wait to re-read them a little later. Speaking of which, tomorrow is general conference! Best weekends of the year. If you missed the broadcast you can see the messages HERE

2. Painting with Will. Since I started teaching dance again twice a week, I try to make my days off with Will as fun-filled as I can. Earlier this week Will and I made a birthday present for one of his big cousins. We went to the store to buy all the stuff, stopped by the frozen yogurt shop (as per Will's request), and painted outside on our back patio. It was one of those rare moments that even while the event was happening I knew this was a moment I never wanted to forget. It wasn't particularly special...but something about the crisp fall air, Will's oversized paint shirt, and our stereo playing "thunder" made it so. It just was so peaceful. I love quiet moments when all the world seems at peace. I didn't have my phone outside, so I didn't get any pictures...but I think that's what made it even more beautiful. It didn't need to be documented, it will just be a memory that I feel rather than see. I love photos--they help me capture my memories and help me remember them....but sometimes it's nice to be fully present and simply feel.

3. This is the Place. Mike's cute cousin invited us to visit This is the Place Park in SLC this week. I haven't been there since I was a kid and it was SO much fun. I'm already scheming about a time to go back! It was the perfect place to let Will's little curious mind explore. Annnnd...they had trains. So he was in heaven. I can't wait to go back later this fall and winter.

4. Green shirt. I went to a cute party that my friend was hosting for her clothing company and snagged this sweatshirt. I took some awkward selfies because i feel like you can see the true color better in these photos than the one they have online. I love it! It is so comfy and was under $30! The texture of the fabric is my favorite part--finally I have a new green shirt (so I can stop wearing the one i got last year every day 😂👍). I don't buy new clothes very often, so I felt it necessary to document haha. It also comes in red and you can find it HERE

5. New dance project. This year I am helping out a non-profit organization to put on the dance production of "The Grinch". I am helping choreograph and some of my dancers from my studio are dancing in it. I am excited to do something new, and it is always a blast to choreograph. Sometimes I get down on myself as a dance teacher. Am I teaching them all they need to know? Am I too strict? Am I too lenient? Am I preparing them well for the world of dance? Am I preparing them for life in general? These thoughts often swirl around my mind as I try to be a better teacher. BUT....it has been so fun to teach other kids mixed with my dancers. I have been SO proud of them and so impressed with their musicality, creative thinking skills, and technique. Sometimes it's nice to have a little pat on your back that says, "you are doing better than you think". It's given me new motivation to work even harder for these sweet young kids. I seriously have the best job ever.

---------------Welp...that's it for this week! They seem to be flying by at record speed these days. We have a whole bucket list for fall written up, so I'm excited too start the festivities!