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Find a cause and make a difference. People do this all over the world. And someone in Utah County is doing it now. Last summer I went to an event called Take Two Dance. It was pulled together by a local ballet instructor from a local ballet company. I had a special interest in this event. Why? Because the proceeds went to the National Foundation for Transplants. Let’s get personal shall we? Reveal: I have a cousin. He’s not that old. Early thirties and one of the healthiest people I know. A while back he started getting sick and eventually it was discovered that he had liver disease. Not really knowing what this entailed my mom simply put it this way, “Eventually he’ll need a liver transplant but it has to get worse before it gets better.” I think it took about five years before it could get better. And even then it wasn’t easy. But with one rejection, two transplants, multiple surgeries and lots of family support my cousin pulled through. So naturally, our family likes to support the National Foundation for Transplants. From races to dances we’re their number one fans. We still have a crucial member of our large family because of them.

This year she’s at it again. Take Two Dance is happening this month from July 26-28. Now I know what you might be thinking, “A ballet recital isn't really my thing.” False my friends. It’s good ballet and not all ballet. In fact, it’s “a mentored choreography showcase for young talent” as the website states and they welcome all forms of dance. Do you know what that means? These are local people coming together and choreographing dances for one cause to make a difference. So come! Support a cause. Support the talent that’s busting out of the seams of our community. You won’t regret it. And maybe you’ll be inspired to use your own talents to make a difference. Whether that’s organizing an event or being in an event you can make a difference. So I’ll see you there? Come find me. I love meeting people.

*Information for Take Two Dance was found here.

When I told my coworkers that I wasn't sure what to do a blog post about, they suggested I share some of my family's 4th of July traditions. One goes to the lake to watch their neighbors firework show. Another has a family reunion in Montana. A friend and their family from Provo always stake out their spot on University Aveneue so that they get prime spots to watch the parade. I, on the other hand, don't have any traditions at all!

I've spent about 8 years of "4th of July"s out of the country, a handful with family and friends in Utah, and the rest in random cities scattered throughout the country. But I kind of like it that way! I've been albe to see how other places celebrate and get swept up in other people's traditions. 

Last year, I spent my 4th in the best place of all, Washington D.C.!

I don't have too many photos since my camera met it's demise at the beginning of the summer, but here are a few shots from that weekend:

Everyone sees the Lincoln Memorial statue from the front, but I thought you guys would like the opportunity to appreciate the back of the it. Notice how the sculptor captured the draping and folds in the back. So much work for something that no one really looks at! I like it.

We got up early to go see the parade. It was really funny when the tourists in line at the metro would ask me about getting around, since I was just about as clueless as they were. We had some time to kill, so we visited that National Museum of American History. Kind of a strange place. Sort of hodge podge. But they had some good exhibits as well. I visited "The Price of Freedom: Americans at War" and this flag. Awsome. 

The parade was a bit of a hodge podge as well. But loveable. Like these guys who were riding around on penny-farthing bicycles like this:

We walked around a bit, went to the Natural History museum, and headed over to the Lincoln Memorial to watch the fireworks. They were spectacular! I loved looking around and seeing everyones faces as they watched. It was really magical. 

As great as last year's 4th of July was, I'm just as excited for this years! It's my first summer in Provo, and I want to make sure to do it right. I'm definitely going to hit up the booths at the Freedom Festival, cheer at the parade, and watch fireworks.

Hope you have a festive Independence Day!

I’m all for volunteering—I’ve served meals at homeless shelters, brought music into retirement homes and cleaned up church and school grounds. But there was always one area of volunteerism I avoided—children.

Don’t get me wrong, children are adorable. Their giant eyes and chubby cheeks make me smile every time.  But I had never had any experience with them. I’m an only child, have not yet reached motherhood, and can only recall awkwardly holding a baby once. I seldom interact with little Munchkins.

This past weekend I decided to volunteer at the Freedom Festival Baby Contest and United Way Family Event, where young children fine-tuned their motor skills by playing with books, balls and blocks. Inexperienced, I was unsure how I could truly help out and make an impact. But as I saw parents playing with the children, I noticed that there was just something so tender about their connection-- a connection unique to each family, yet equally precious and pure among all the families there. It was truly special.

Now this doesn’t mean I’m ready to jump into motherhood just yet. Yet by working with children to gain skills and learn important developmental lessons to help them in the future, I’ve learned my own important lesson as well:

I recognized that these types of things-- as simple as playing with blocks—are the building blocks for greater things.

Volunteering can be as simple as playtime. And even though I haven’t done playtime since I was a wee kid myself, sometimes you have to breach your comfort zone to help where help is needed.  I know I’m sure glad I did.