April in Review
Bittersweet milestones and fresh starts.
It wasn’t until Wednesday night that I realized I wanted to write an April recap.
Even though we’re already in May—better late than never!
April was a big month for us. Lots of changes, major milestones, and bittersweet celebrations.
Week One
We started the month off by watching and attending a church conference, where we learned more about Jesus Christ and our purpose on Earth. It was beautiful. Every message felt like it was just for us—stories shared and testimonies borne that touched our hearts.
Week Two
This week, I had my last day of work, Josh and I went to the temple, and we went to the range to hit golf balls!
We also spent a lot of time packing up our apartment and getting ready to move. I got sidetracked with snacks and fun drinks (as usual), but Josh was a trooper. I swear he did most of the packing—haha.
Week Three
Josh finished up classes, started his finals, and we celebrated Baby Joshy’s four month birthday!
Leading up to the weekend, I got more nervous about Easter. I wasn’t sure how it would go; some holidays have really thrown me for a loop.
I was asked to speak in church about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and what it means to me and my family.
I felt great—until just a few minutes before I was supposed to speak. A baby in the congregation started making noise, and I silently broke down in my seat. I couldn’t do it. I was sobbing and trying to gather any strength I had to calm down and collect my thoughts.
Then the choir sang a hymn just before I was supposed to speak, and I was immediately comforted. I felt peace and joy. The kind that only comes through the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. My heart was filled, my tears dried, and I had the strength to share our experience and bear my testimony.
It turned out to be a beautiful Sunday, full of love for Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and our sweet friends and family.
Week Four
This was a big week! We started off strong by packing up a trailer with all of our belongings. We were left with just a camping chair and cooler to sit on, an air mattress to sleep on, and Baby Joshy’s memory boxes. Those boxes are filled with my most treasured possessions—I didn’t want them out of my sight!
Over the next few days, Josh wrapped up finals and we got ready for graduation!
We spent Wednesday with my in-laws up in Salt Lake City, took them to our favorite Mexican restaurant and walked around City Creek and Temple Square. The flowers were stunning.
As always, we like to take Baby Joshy teddy bears along for the ride!
Commencement was Thursday morning, and afterward, we took our family to our favorite chicken finger spot for lunch. We made sure to eat at all our favorite places one last time before we moved. We had so many restaurants we loved!
That night was one of the hardest I’ve had in a long time. I cried for hours and hours into the early morning. Even after some sleep, the tears kept coming. I was so hurt, so sad, and my heart ached. I didn’t know how I could keep going.
I didn’t want to graduate. When I found out I was pregnant with Baby Joshy, I pictured him being there with us. Graduating felt like moving on without him. It’s the biggest thing to happen in our lives since he was born and passed away. I didn’t want to do it without him.
After lots of prayer and a priesthood blessing, I found the strength and courage to walk at graduation.
It was so special that Josh and I got to graduate together. Josh is such a fun person and made graduation even better. I’m so grateful he was right there with me.
It was hard without Baby Joshy there, but God sent so many reminders that our angel baby was with us.
We took lots of photos (with our teddy bear too!) and went out for a celebratory dinner. Everyone ordered the surf and turf—though there wasn’t much turf, haha. Still, it was delicious!
On Saturday, I spent the day with my mom and mother-in-law. We went shopping at The Food Nanny store, grabbed lunch, stopped at See’s, and did a Costco run. It was so much fun!
Our parents helped us finish packing, load up the car, and clean our apartment.
That night, we said goodbye to our first home—the only place Baby Joshy ever knew.
It was one of the hardest goodbyes. I didn’t want to leave.
The Last Week
We hit the road early Sunday morning and started our drive from Utah to North Carolina. We planned to make the trip in two days.
Surprisingly, it flew by! I’m so grateful for Instagram—it kept me distracted most of the way, haha. We also played country music and sang at the top of our lungs. It was such a fun drive, and I’m glad we got to do it together.
We’ve been staying with my parents and have really loved being back in the South. It’s been so relaxing to be home and surrounded by family.
On Tuesday, we celebrated our two-year wedding anniversary. It was simple and low-key, but over the past year, we’ve come to realize that just being together is what matters most. We’re so grateful we were married and sealed. Because of that sacred day, we have an eternal family and the promise that we’ll be with our baby again. And that’s all we need!
I wrapped up the month with an impulse haircut—I chopped it all off! I woke up Wednesday morning and decided that I wanted short hair. Definitely a spontaneous decision, but I’m so glad I went for it. I’m really loving it!
This summer’s going to be full of new adventures and I can’t wait to take you along for the ride!