Saturday, April 26, 2014

Two Years...Time Flies

I left the beautiful and green Palo Alto two years ago today. Some days it seems just like yesterday and other days I feel like life has changed so much that I hardly would recognize that carefree life. I think life slows down and speeds up all at once these days, if both are possible. 

This part year we were busy at Berry Oil, so busy I forgot about most things other than software and software. I even missed March Madness (I know, a sin).  I'm happy to say that this year we are not implementing a new accounting software system. We have some exciting things coming, that might keep me as busy as last year but at least it won't be only software.  Here is to dominating the world this coming year...I mean, working hard. 

I also took the long needed and happy leap to a family ward. I now serve in the Young Women organization. I know, some of you out there are thinking: Jess Berry teaching the youth-that's totally awesome and I wish I were a youth again, while others are thinking: Jess Berry teaching the youth-that's totally frightening and I'm so thankful I am not a youth in her ward. I suspect my young women fall on either side of that spectrum, depending on the day with me. My goal is to prepare these young ladies for life, in the unconventional form that life seems to take for some of us, and to make sure that they know I am crazy and awesome all rolled into one. Being the only single leader in our young women group and being a bit of a feminist (compared to most Idaho women) I am bringing a little shock factor to our group and hopefully I'm setting a good example?   

My body continues to refine my soul daily...hopefully for the better. Let's just say that this year I'm a little more excited for the resurrection than the year before. My hope is that my summer and fall will be better than the winter and spring physically and if not that I'll have the patience to endure. 

I miss Palo Alto, my California family, and I hope to visit a little more frequently. I do, however, realize how lucky I am to have spent my formative "adult youth" years there and appreciate my new life here as I age quickly. :) 

Happy Birthday Averina, The Great Eight!

Averina is EIGHT! Unbelievable! She's growing up too quickly! We had a fun day celebrating her! She had a Daddy/daughter date while Brown Eyes, Mattie Faye, and I cleaned house (we are big partiers!). Afterward it was a ride the horsey turned dog pile, followed by a visit to see Grandpa and Grandma Great! We then rounded out the day with cake and ice cream, thanks to Papa and Grandma Berry, the traditional Berry/Erickson birthday song (yes, Mattie Faye and Averina love our voices), and Averina getting spoiled with presents! We sure love Averina! 

Since Averina is now eight, she'll get baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints next Saturday. We are so excited for her! To learn more about what baptism entails click here. 
More pictures next week to follow her special day! 




Brown Eyes and Mattie Faye folded their arms while Averina opened presents and then promptly asked where their presents were...

Papa decorated the cake! Who doesn't love Swedish fish? 


Sunday, April 20, 2014

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

We Have An Easter Candy Thief


And she looks exactly like Mattie Faye! This girl ate all my Easter candy one afternoon while I was at work, no wonder her tummy hurt that night! And she also loves my shoes...give her another two years and they'll probably fit her. 


Saturday, April 12, 2014

A Little Reunion With A Couple Little Additions

 It only took two years of living back in Idaho to make it happen but SEC, SJ, GH, and I finally found time for a few days of fun together. We ate good food, colored Easter eggs with Eve (little Sandi), shopped, talked, shopped some more, talked some more, made Gari make homemade biscuits at 9pm one night, tried to take a group selfie, had 4 year Eve take a group picture (turns out our legs take good pictures, see below), and just a had great time spending together. Can it possibly be over ten years since we all met? We still look great and I love that SJ and Mike have added Eve and Claire to the group! Thanks for the great trip! Looking forward to the next go around!   









We also decided to dye the last egg in all the colors, hence the ugly brown one! 

 The best biscuits you'll ever taste! Oh how I've missed these amazing treats! Thanks Gari! 

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Brown Eyed Girl!

For listening to General Conference Miss Brown Eyes here got these awesome nails that match her dance outfit! She's pretty cute! 

This is more often what pictures of Brown Eyes look like, hiding or scowling at the camera! 

Monday, April 7, 2014

Farewell To Joshy...For The Summer

Mattie Faye loves her Uncle Joshy...she even tried to sneak into his car before he left for the summer. We will miss him.  



Saturday, April 5, 2014

Beautiful Poem Left On My Mormon Message

I randomly looked at the Mormon Message from a few years ago and found this in the comment section. Extremely kind and humbling to read. Thanks to the poet. 

A daughter of God
with the face of an angel
and eyes filled with pearls
of profound appreciation
tints the sadness of her plight;
a sweet young lady
painted with light
and sunshine smiles
that burns the heart to ignite
the warmest of tender feelings;
a lady that inspires
our heavenly choirs,
an angel of pure delight.

Ron Larter - LDS Poet.