Girls Camp

Oh dearest blog, I have missed you.

I have been busy- busy going to girl's camp, booking NYC trip #2, managing some possible job changes, and turning 25 (YIKES! Next post).

Speaking of girl's camp:

I was asked to be a "cabin mom" along with Jess from my ward. I jumped at a chance to get to serve the young women and have any part in helping them discover their worth and potential. I'm pretty grateful my Heavenly Father trusted me with the responsibility, and I take it to heart. Girl's camp played a HUGE role in my life, and I can credit it for many testimony-building experiences. So, I kissed Jeff and Daisy goodbye and set out for some spiritual enlightenment up in the mountains!

On the way to White Pass, Jess and I munched on Doritos and candy while we talked about everything from our favorite reality tv shows to how we met our husbands.

The first morning, I woke up early to meet a couple girls and leaders for a run. The crisp mountain air and scenery was the perfect setting. The next day, Jess and I went with the girls on their 5-mile hike.

The camp theme centered around the 13th Article of Faith. We were also able to give our tents themes. Jess and I did 'Candyland- sweet is the joy the gospel brings.'

(Lacey 5th Ward girls) (Our tents- The Candyland girls)

It was great to get away from the world for a week, brush off some worries, and just focus on the girls.

The day we drove home, I had just enough time to wash the dirt off my toes and drive to Tacoma Lawn to watch the guys' match.

They won 3 matches, beat the 8th sead, and almost the #1! They made it to the quarterfinals, playing the best they ever have at that tournament.

Home sweet home. :)

Another Pug for the Rices

Introducing:

Daisy.

Also known as:

-Daisy Duke

-Diesel

-Daisy girl

-Dainty Daisy

- Elvis

Jeff and I adopted this sweet little pug from some family members a couple months ago. They wanted Daisy to be with a family that was home more often and could give her more attention. We're so grateful they thought of us because she has made us so, so happy and we just love her to pieces. (Look at that face!)

It has been fun for me to discover the joy dogs can bring. She really does warm our hearts and turns our bad moods around real quick.

Daisy and I were buds pretty quick but Jeff and her bonded this last week while I was at Girls Camp. I think it may have something to do with her getting to sleep at the foot of the bed while I was gone...? Anyway, the phrase man's best friend rings true with those two.

- Her tongue hangs out just a little bit... all the time.

- When you come home she puts her toy in her mouth and runs to you- she can't breathe real well so she sounds like a diesel truck.

- She has an under bite, and her upper lip gets caught on her teeth a lot (hence the 'Elvis' nickname).

- She can really clear a room (If you know what I mean...).

- She is tender hearted and has a very sensitive tummy.

- Jeff is teaching her how to cuddle- she's making progress.

She LOVES belly rubs- and pretty much gets them every time she gives you puppy eyes and rolls over...

Gus finally got his girlfriend. She loves him. We are pretty sure she wants to eat him though, so we watch pretty close. (see her licking her chops??)

She was introduced to Giovani the day we picked her up. He ran her in circles and the poor thing didn't know what to do. They are becoming buds though...

She is such a good dog.

Thank you to the Dupenthalers for trusting us with your sweet pup.

We will take good care of her!