temple lights

I feel like the holidays are not complete without seeing the Temple Lights. It was such a great start to the season to be there the night the lights turned on. Never gets old.

let it snow

Out with the Fall and it with the snow!

(I have a feeling I won't be thinking this for very long....It's freezing here!)

Our first snowfall was beautiful and it covered everything. Everyone is happy that we are enjoying a "White Christmas."

oh christmas tree

It came....the anticipated decorating of the tree. And what a wonderful day it was.

(I love this picture of my mom and dad. It's the epitome of Christmas)

My dad's face is so funny...how we LOVE the Grinch!

Simply Stated: A night with the family under the tree makes for a great start to the season.

turkey day

Thanksgiving was so much fun this year out here in Virginia and we had a lot of fun having Lara and Matt's family to visit. Sadly, we did miss the rest of the family being out here with us. 

Simply Stated: Thanksgiving day is too short to try to fit in all the things we're thankful for.

funny story

On Saturday I was on a date with one of my friends named Steve and we were going to a musical event.  While we were walking from our car towards the building, Steve looked over and said, "Is that car moving?" I looked over and sure enough, the car was cruising right past us without a driver. I was a little shocked at first, but he, having his wits about him, ran over to the front of the car to stop it from hitting another car.  So then I ran to the unlocked drivers door to jump in:

me: "Do I have to get in there? It really smells." (while we're both laughing hysterically)

Steve: "I think I can hold it." (at the front of the car holding it as it's still rolling forward)

me: "I can't drive a stick shift!" (while I'm sitting in this nasty car)

Steve: "Okay, 1...2...3... Switch." (yeah like I was going to hold the car!)

me: "Why are my hands all sticky?" (pretending to try to hold the car)

Steve: "Sick! I just stuck my hands in a pile of Kleenex, and they are NOT clean!"

Basically it was so funny and the most random thing. We really wanted to see the owners come out confused and say, "I thought we parked over there," as they pointed across the parking lot. Needless to say I didn't get much out of the musical event because we were laughing so hard. 

Simply Stated: If you leave your car in neutral, make sure to leave the driver's door unlocked.

i hope they call me on a mission

The last couple months since meeting Donna, the missionaries have been in our home quite regularly. So much so, that I feel the people I see most often in my life are my family and the missionaries. It's been so wonderful to have the missionaries as such a big part our lives, because they bring such a great spirit and their example pushes me to be better. Last night we went to a farewell fireside for about 20 departing missionaries in this mission (the DC South Mission). We have gotten to know several of them well and went to say our bitter-sweet goodbyes.

(Picture left to right: Elder Tye, Elder Kenechtyl, Donna, me, and Elder Ockler).

Elder Tye was one of the missionaries that taught Donna the discussions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in our home. This is our favorite picture because we always joke that we can't "touch" the missionaries. Donna always says, "No touchy!"

But... this Elder is on his way out, so Sister Albright (the mission president's wife) gave us the go-ahead to "touchy". We took the opportunity to enjoy some long-awaited big hugs. This is Elder Leippman, who was the other missionary to teach Donna and then baptize her. He is from ARIZONA!!! and we are going to miss him!

Here is the all-star companionship. Honestly, I am continually amazed at the Elders and what great men they are. They are all so different, but they all have one common purpose. They are both so happy and have been true friends to her and our family. I am touched that these boys give up 2 years of their life to teach something they know is true and to share the happiness that they feel with others.

I just can't express my gratitude for them.

This is Elder Leippman and Elder Nickle, another Elder that served in my parents ward for a long time before I moved to Virginia. I must give credit to the 2 Elders that found Donna that turned her over to the Elders in our area and all the Elders that have taken part in our lives. Thank heavens for them!

They gave me my Chinese sister.

Simply stated:

I hope by then I will be ready to teach and preach and teach as missionaries do

lovely day..

Simply stated... A day at the temple is always a lovely day.