i'm sorry to do this to you....

i know we are all creatures to habit and hate change. i know i do, for the most part.

but when the change is better, nicer, sweeter, more appealing, I tend to like it.

so here is the final change you will have to make.

sisteremilylewis.wordpress.com

as many of you know i had to shut down "two of a kind," because I ran out of memory space from pictures. so i started a new blog, however, it never seemed right, or seemed to fit for me, i wanted my old blog--where i had been posting for years. so i've switched to wordpress--and love it!
its cleaner, nicer, just over all great. i was able to import both of my blogs now--so we have it all in one place. convenient.

so hop on over, and simply press the "follow" button, and you won't ever have to miss out on any of the fun with me ;)

a decemeber to remember

one word this december has been. phenomenal.


I like cornflakes.

i am merry.

this has been a phenomonal Christmas.
its been extra sweet, savoring everyday, knowing this will be the last one here until 2014.

and, this christmas we celebrate our third christmas weddding....we are getting good at this sort of thing. but at the same time, remind me never to do this to my mother--when i get married.

to say the least, my parents are incredible.
every year, they say its tight and not to expect much--which i've always been okay with--because i understand--and besides i'd rather just be with family anyways, but seriously, they do make christmas quite exciting and so happy.

this the "emily is going on a mission Christmas".
Hence the 3 piece luggage set, the rain jacket, the argentina flag blanket, 10 pairs of tights, earrings, waterbottle, spanish mini preach my gospel, and much much more! i just can't believe it! they are so so so good to me.

this christmas we also did a few things we've never done before....
--we ate cinnamon rolls (made by me) for breakfast before we opened presents
--we used paper plates for every meal (heaven!)
--we went to the movie theatres, to see Les Misérables! Incredible. Phenomenal. Wonderful. Inspiring. And I still don't think that gives it justice.
--we had fewer numbers--just the five of us (dad, mom, cj, danielle, and me) it was quiet--and i kinda liked it ;)

Christmas eve, even though my dad and i were completely sugared-out, found ourselves at Cold Stone for some ice cream because of my birthday coupon. We also went caroling, per-tradition, to our neighbors which is something i hope to do with my kids.

Christmas night, the caudles, and vances came over for a great feast. i always love gatherings to eat like  kings and queens. we played rounds of catch-phrase, and i played "Headbandz" with the kids, and helped them do a 3-D puzzle. and when i say "helped" them, they sat and watched, because it was so hard--but secretly, so fun.

I really love my family, and feel blessed to be apart of this eternal family. I love Christmas and the spirit of happiness, and giving that comes with it. I am convinced if we could live with the Spirit of Christ daily in our homes, our societies would be transform, purified and sanctified. The baby Jesus was born of a virgin Mary. He lived a perfect life, to then atone for all our sins, trials, infirmities, troubles, sickness, everything we will pass through in this life--so that we can one day live with our Heavenly Father again. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Counsellor, the Prince of Peace. He died for me, and I so love Him for it.

Merry Christmas! 

happy december twenty second

from the kitchen table to your computer screen:
my commentary on life....
the sun came out today.
its a balmy 50 degrees out side.
WinCo parking lot reminds me of the end of the world.
I'm burning my mouth on mango peach salsa, but there is something about it that I can't stop.
And I have a nice shot glass of *egg nog* beside me.

This is living the dream.
(a phrase I often tell myself to appear less-stressed out than i really am)

observations about my life right now:

--i have to have either a pair of socks on my feet or no socks at all. i'm sure everyone feels this way too, it was just made very apparent to me--I was like disgusted by the feeling. (dramatic, eh?)

--i often cut my hair before it gets too long, no, not because i'm an old lady, but more because i am a child and i get salsa, toothpaste, or hot chocolate dipped in. (these may or may not have happened recently).

--i have a very very bad habit of cracking my knuckles, since elementary school in fact. i need a cure.

--i often refer to Siri, as Sierra. Makes it more feminine.

--i often ask Siri to call someone why i am driving, so automatically, it turns off the music i have blaring from my phone, i often forget that minor technicality  so when i am actually in the store and now hang up, and the music turns on, and i'm confused, i finally remember, and then that gets embarrassing.

--i did a temple session with 15 missionaries, all but one were boys, too bad the temple is the worst place to get someones number...i should of though, it was a gold mine.
kidding...sorta.

--i like Christmas, but not for the food (although that is a plus), or the presents, or the decor, its really for the music--the traditional carols, and the sweet sound of Bing Crosby. When ever he comes on my Pandora station, i always yell, "Sing it Bing!"

and to be honest, i am not sure what spawned this blog post, but i found these observations about my life amusing. and you probably don't...

when tragedy hits....

its been 9 days since I have last posted. unheard of actually. so i thought i'd take care of that and blog now. since naturally, there is never dullness in this life.

the news digest:
unfortunately, there were two shootings in one week of each other, on the west and east side of the country. the first shooting was on Dec. 11, a regular tuesday, at the Clackamas Town Center mall, actually, "our" mall. My parents were not there that day, but many of their ward/stake/work friends were. We saw the hand of the Lord so evident, as they were guided and protected to be in a part of the mall that the shooter would not be. Two innocent individuals lost their life that day--and the injured and impact are so many.

secondly, that friday, there was another shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. (very near my cousin's house). twenty children were killed, as well as 7 other individuals (teachers, janitors, and others that were trying to protect the children). first, i can not begin to sympathize what this feels like, having no children of myself, but i can only imagine how i would feel if one of my nieces and nephews were one of those kids and the hurt and pain that would never seem to heal.

when sunday came, it seemed we were treading on such sacred sad times. the country mourning the death of these children. it seemed almost as if--there was no more light in this world--as if no hope.
it doesn't seem ironic that on that friday morning, before i heard the news, i decided that day, that i was going to be an eternal optimist.

so yes, our days may not be sunshine and lollipops, and i don't take lightly what happened, but i do know, that there is a God in heaven, and He is in the very details of our life. Those little children, they are with the angels right now. I truly believe, that if the Savior's second coming were to happen, He would first go visit all the little children, they are the precious, and pure, humble, and meek.

I know that God has a plan for us. We were with Him before we came to earth, and once we were born, there was a Savior who had already atoned for all the sins of the world--even the sins we had not made yet--and because of the Savior, we can live again with our Father in Heaven, for ever. Those little children will see their mom, dad, sister, brother, aunt, and uncle again.

Although this time, there will be sorrow for a period, there is a God in Heaven that we can rely on for help and strength. We have tests in this life so we can become more like Him.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, because of this knowledge of the Plan of Happiness, I can find peace, and happiness in this life knowing that I'll be with my family for eternity. I am so grateful for that.
I wish all the Connecticut families knew that too...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think my sister also says it best, here.
More info here.

the final week in provo

I got off the phone with the FBI today. That doesn't happen often. But in looks like after all, I will be leaving January 30th, and will not be delayed (this is wonderful and a little crazy at the same time).

I've been squeezing everything I've been wanting to do in Provo in the last week that I have.
It might mean i've been comprimising study time, but its totally worth it.

If there is anything I have learned during finals week, is to marry rich, and calculate the lowest score you can get in the class, rather then focus on studying.

Thursday, Dec. 6, were the last day of classes! (A student even gave me cookies in a bag... that was a source of dinner in dire need). I volunteered to go sing Christmas carols with some people from the stake at the Provo City Center for a program called, Project: READ, they have mentors that tutor illiterate citizens at all ages to learn how to read. It is a really neat organization. One that I would like to volunteer for when I come back.

Friday, I taught a review session at 9 in the morning (worst idea ever). I felt pretty darn official with the microphone clipped on my shirt, I should have taken a picture. I got home, took a nap, and then left for Manti with my good from Sydney, from my freshman ward and MTC co-worker. We went to the Temple for a live session with her brother and my friend Paul who goes to Snow College.

It was so neat to do a live session--much easier to stay awake ;)
The Manti temple is beautiful because it is really like a pioneer temple that hasn't been remodeled. I believe it was the 3rd or 4th temple built in this dispensation.
Sydney's family was so kind to have dinner for me when after the session. They also are all avid hunters, and so when I told them I had never seen/held/touched a gun with in 10 feet of me--or not pinned on a police officers him--they quickly took care of that. Sydney actually has 4 guns herself--and she let me hold all of them! Lets just say I haven't quite worked up the arm strength to actually hold any of the properly or long enough to actually shoot something. Sydney, her brother and I went to Buffalo Wild Wings tonight--which was so fun--but I am so sad it is my last time I'll see her until I get back. Sydney has been one of my favorite mentos in life. I've always looked up to her--for her excellent work ethic, positive atttude, confident personality, and a great teacher. The first memory she has of me is running frantically to church the very first Sunday of the semester, holding my heels in one had and a hymn book in the other--I'm pretty sure that image of me has stayed the same ever since.

Saturday, I taught another review session that went much better. But I was 7 minutes late. How embarrassing. I ran across campus, sacrificing my dignity to try to get there on time. I maybe gave them a few extra freebies to make up for my tardiness. Luckily, they were kind enough to humor me and watch the "Birthday movie" from Evelyn and Christian--needless to say, they loved it.


Sunday, my very last Sunday in Provo. I have been in the 93rd ward since April and I really have loved this ward. It was a great first off campus experience. I learned alot from my leaders and ward members. I am very excited to move on though too. After church, we took "roommate pictures," just like every other BYU girls apartment. However, we did it in the freezing cold with snow on the ground. My roommates are champs. These are such an elite group of girls, I feeel so blessed!

 Look at the cute future sister missionaryI ran into...with not a Spanish, but a Porteuguse Book of Mormon! :)

When we got back to the apt., Caitlyn had forgotten that rice was left on the stove. Needless to say, the door was opened for the next hour as we let the fumes fade from the apartment. At least we know that if there is a fire, the smoke detectors will definitely not be going off. We all huddled in blankets on the floor while the hometeachers taught us--while the 20 degree wind found its way into our apartment through the open door of shame.

Hannah and I also went with a few ward members to the Provo Temple where we met up with lots of other recently called Sister Missionaries. This is similar to what happened in SLC, but it was the Provo Edition. We sang "Called to Serve," took pictures, acquainted with those called to the same mission, and went around in a circle telling everyone where we were serving. All i remember:is that it was so cold.

My friends, Bree and Hayley, came over as a little farwell to me. I still can't believe that I won't be here next month. Another friend, Josh, came over and we played ticket to ride and ate birthday cake.

It was such a fun and busy last sunday in Provo. I can't believe my time for now is ending.
Tomorrow I will be half way through college! Wahoooooo!

                                 

two decades

Guess what. I've officially lived two decades of life, and i'm pretty sure you and the society are both impressed i've survived this long.

I began writing a very methodical, inspiring, i'm-a-twenty-year-old-now-blog post, of how my life is just like pinterest, and quaint, and perfect, and happy, and so self-fufilling. but after I realized I'd be lying to you, I just decided to cut the garbage. Not to say my life/birthday weren't any of those things, it just didn't sound like me. 

So i really just wanted to share with you the fun part of birthdays. Oh how i love YOU , let me count the ways. Thank you to all who made it such a special day for me, and who have made me a better person each day. 

 My dear sweet cousin Lynette, came over early Wednesday morning (before work) to make breakfast at my apt. She treated me with fabulous pancakes, strawberries, bananas, and chocolate chips (The Gardelli kind). She wrote me such a sweet card, and gave me my favorite kind of chocolate--M&M's.

Hannah was so sweet to remind me what day it was, when I saw written across our large mirror all in sticky notes, "HAPPY B-DAY EMILY".

 I've never felt so loved after taking the Communications Benchmark Exam (2 hour test, writing a news release after watching a press conference--part of the comms. application). I turned on my phone to 6 text messages, 4 voicemails, and 5 FB notification. You know they say to not base your self-esteem on how much people text/call you, but I sure did that day! :)

 I hung out with some of the best people. And when I say hung out, Bree and Hayley indulged in Cafe Rio, and enjoyed our "last supper together," before Bree goes on a mission to Italy in March, and I go to Argentina. Bree and Hayley are from my freshman ward. We only see each other a couple of times a semester, but we always pick up like we never stop talking. Get us together and we can laugh/talk for hours. These are true friends. :)
(except for the part that Hayley sent me a letter in the card the day before, which seriously made my day--it was so sweet, and then Bree didn't even know it was my birthday until someone secretly told her appearantly....but i can say, because I know she never reads my blog ;)
Thanks Hayley!

 Bree and I received our calls on the SAME day, and were ENDOWED the same day. So basically, we got to share the greatest days of our lives, TOGETHER. It was such a special birthday treat to spend my night in the Temple. The Temple reminds me "who's" I am, and "who" I am.

I came home from the Temple, to be surprised by a beautiful cake made by one of my six favorite roommates, Caitlyn. I share a room with her, and i just really love her. She also bought me the most beautiful gold sparkly scarf that she placed on my desk with a sweet sticky note...seriously? Mom, did you pay all my friends to be this great to me? I love you guys!

The other day I was really busy and Hannah was going to the grocery store so she bought a few items for me, she was so kind to label all my food. I didn't see this until my birthday, but how sweet (ha, get it?) is she! She was apologozing for not doing more on my birthday, and honestly, I wanted her to know most that there wasn't anything she could have done more. She already does so much on a daily basis for me, I could never expect anything. Thanks Hannah...truly!

Cousin Harrison McCullough was sweet to bring this large candy bar and a card to the Religion TA office when I was working on my birthday! He was so sweet, he wanted to surprise me, so he found out the professor I work for, asked him where the TA lab was and then came to and surprised me. He is always so thoughtful and generous--what a gentleman! I talked the professor the next day and said, "So my cousin came to ask you where I was yesterday, huh?" And after a minute of being confused he was like, "OH! I thought he was just trying to get an A in the class!" nope! 

Other notes to remember, I got a sweet card in the mail and phone call from my favorite two people: my parents! It was so fun to talk to them and they just listened to me talk about how great my birthday was and it was only 10 am! I also took a test that day, got a free pencil from the testing center and got a perfect score on my test! (that was the first and last time that will EVER happen!)

I got the sweeetest video of Evelyn and Christian on my FB wall wishing me happy birthday. I watched it 20 times over and over again. And when I taught my Book of Mormon Reviews later that week, I showed them too. Yes, all 410 students ;)

I also secretly love it when birthday mail comes a day late, because it means I get to celebrate my birthday for another day! Meredith sent Evelyns hand shaped cut outs with accordian style paper taped in between the two hands saying, "I love you THIS MUCH." It melted my heart. I of course showed all my roommates.

I got a sweet card from Mariah Kerr (and i've only met her twice!), and a phone call from Cami Doutre. And Lauren my roommate sent me a text every couple of hours telling me something she loved about me...like: I love your lobster bisque voice, i love your enthusiams for seeing general authorities, I love your huge smile, your desire to be better, your weird knowledge of gospel facts, and your quickness to laugh."

I also loved loved loved getting a letter with pictures in the mail from my sweet sister Julia! That was a  letter I will cherish for a long time. I can't believe i'm losing my last sister....luckily, i'll have a mission to fill the void. But I am sure going to miss her. But for these 20 years we spent together, they were pretty darn the best!

Thank you all for your wonderful wishes, your daily constant love. There isn't anything I could do to thank you enough! I am apart of all I have met. 

it was a tender mercy kind of day

I love my tender mercy days. It truly is every day. But this one, I couldn't help but record. 

When I focus on the tender mercies of each day, it sets me on fire of happiness. 

Today, I was so lucky to attend my last BYU devotional in the Marriott Center listening to Elder Bruce D. Porter of the Seventy. I got to sit with new and old friends on the floor level. I was sitting directly next to the teleprompter--so I was very conscious not to stretch or move to much. It was so neat to be so close to the podium. It was almost as if he was just talking to a small handful of students when in reality he was speaking to thousands and then more thousands being broadcasted. I hope everyone will have a chance to hear his remarks on Prayer. It was truly touching. Although I've been praying multiple times a day for 20 years (i can officially say that in 1 hour). There is still something I can always learn on how to improve my prayers. 

Told you I was close

I then went to the JKB to work on some grading when I saw the Elders Quorum President and we began talking about the Communications program. When I told him I was only on paper #116 out of #410, he said, "oh in comparrison to you, I am doing great!" After we had said goodbye, he walked away only to return a few minutes later and threw me a candybar saying, "This should help you finish the grading.." A. How does he know I love snickers. B. How does he know I love chocolate (oh, i'm a girl). C. That was the sweetest thing ever. D. He's from Oregon, so he is automatically cool. 

And something that just lit up my day today was after sitting in the Book of Mormon class I TA for, I saw Elder Jay E. Jensen beginning to walk down the aisle after class. I freaked out alittle inside. I was absolutely thrilled. I immediately stopped him. 

Me: "Elder Jensen! Hi! Oh my goodness! Hi! I'm Emily Lewis. You don't remember me, but you came to my stake years ago! I'm from Portland, Oregon." 

Him: "Oh I remember that stake, yes, I can remember sitting in the Stake President's home."
Me: "You probably don't remember but my dad was in the Stake Presidency when you came. President Lewis? Oh and I remember you spoke about hymns and music in the home and the sacredness of it."

(You should also know he gave a replica talk in General Conference the next month...)

Him: Oh thank you. 

Me: And thank you so very much. You are absolutely one of my most favorite general authorities, you look exactly like my grandfather that passed away around the time that you came to visit my Stake, so I feel you've had such an influence on my life.

Him: Oh thank you. I'm so glad you made that connection. 

Me: So what exactly are you doing here?

Him: Well, I came to observe because I am teaching next semester.

Me: You are!? Oh man, too bad i'm going on a mission, I would have loved to take your class.

Him: Where are you going?

Me: Argentina Neuquén Mission. 

Him: (jaw dropped), Oh, you are going to love your mission. It is so beautiful. I did a mission tour twice in that mission and it is just beautiful. Barli de Loche is like the Jackson Hole of Argentina. 

Me: Oh really, I have no idea what to expect, but I am excited. 

Him: Expect it to be beautiful, and just to love the people. 

Me: Oh thank you thank you again. 

So i probably was so excited I didn't get to let him speak as much as I should have, but I couldn't miss this opportunity to share with him how grateful I was for his influence. 

After that I had to immediately call my parents. That was so fun to talk to them. Then they encouraged me to talk to a professor about my major and such. So I ran over to my professors office, luckily caught him in there and talked. He was generous to spend the time I needed with him even without an appt. It turns out he also served in Argentina so it was fun to connect. While talking to him though I might've been distracted by the plethora of diploma certificates he had on the wall, Northwestern, U.S. Supreme Court something...it was impressive to say the least. 

Over all, it has just been one fantastic day. Today could have been my birthday and I would have known no difference. So 45 more minutes of being a teen...any last parting words of advice before I reach the threshold of adulthood. 

I saw this in the Tanner Building after attending a "Handel's Messiah Sing-A-Long" for FHE on Monday.
Argentina....less than 60 days. 

BYU, you are impressive with your Christmas trees. That is two full levels in the Tanner Building. 

The walk to school

The walk home from school

the day of incredibility

Sunday, December 2. I tend to like Sunday's alot. 

Church. The Sacrament. Friends. Baking. No school. The Sabbath day. 

Its my favorite day as all the roommates are together, and awake at the same time. 

This Sunday was terrific. 

It was Fast Sunday, and in fact, my last Fast Sunday in the 93rd ever. 

I have been in this ward since April, and have to come to really like it. I was grateful to come in the Spring/Summer time when it was much smaller so I could get comfortable with being in an off campus ward before herds of people came in the Fall. There are so many stellar sisters in the ward, that I really look up to. A great part of Sunday was baking with Hannah and then attending The Church of Jesus Christ's Latter-day Saint's Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center. She called me on Saturday night to ask if I wanted to go....I screamed for approximately 3 minutes I was absolutely ecstatic  My roommate thought my sister had a baby or something to that degree. 

We drove with her brother who was visiting from out of state, and her childhood friend, and another friend that has been in the USA for a week, originating from Guatemala  I tired her with questions about Argentina and Spanish. She served a mission in Peru and it was so fun to connect with her.

If you bake, you always must bake with the Russian doll, HELGA. 

23 Rows away from the Prophet was awesome. I cared most of all just to be in the same room as him! Such a treat!

I can just refer to this sweet girl as sis. I give her my credit card to buy my groceries. We take mental health breaks during the midnight hours of studying to talk. We give rides to strangers walking home. We have an unhealthy obsession with Honey Bunches of Oats. Basically, I am going to miss her and my 5 other roommates so dearly. 

And....since the iPhone 5 does a pretty sweet Panaroma view, here is the Conference Center. 21,000+ seats. 

I have listened to many Christmas Devotionals before, and for some reason, this one was just powerful. This Devotional has often landed on the same day as my birthday, and so I like to think of it as the Prophets Birthday present to me. I sure love to hear him and his counselors speak. 

Here is how you can watch this sweet Devotional from the Prophet. 

And if you love Christmas music like me....listen/ download free music of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing Christmas songs here!

my baking skills, or lack thereof

I hope you all remember the time that i almost starved to death a few months ago.
Well, now fast forward to December 3, 2012. I have exactly 10 days left in Provo. (ie: I need to use up my food).

So Sunday, I made banana bread. Thats domestic.

Except fot the part where the middle fell in, it looked like jello, and I used half of the bananas that I should have. So what does that make it, 'unbanana bread'? Or, not to mention that the outside of the bread became like a thick crust over the entire loaf...making it impossible to eat with out a gallon of milk in a cup.

Monday comes around. I've been testing the waters of baking and cooking....false.
I made my speciality, Hawaiian Haystacks with out ALL the toppings (eg: rice and sauce).
The last time I made this in my old apt. my stove caught on fire. And all I had done was trying to boil water.

Its time to add the rice to the boil water. Inside my head I was debating, half as much rice as water, or half of as much water as rice. I decided I should do nothing else but ask my most trusted friend, "Siri," how to make rice. When I got the most unapproved look from my roommate, I just said, "help?"
She confirmed my problem and I continued making rice. In case you are wondering. 2 cups of rice is alot....for one person. Just fyi ;)

I decided to spice up my cream of chicken a bit you know. Its good for my tastebuds to know something besides Raman. So thanks to my wonderful sis, Alice-Anne, who had given me 2 cans of chicken that I had always been way to cheap to buy since June 2011, I added the final can to the sauce. Keep in mind, I bought the family size Cream of Chicken too since it was 30 cents cheaper. How could I not....

I was getting alittle impatient with the sauce, so after throwing in the chicken, I just decided to dish my self up. I guess I should have waited alittle to cook the chicken more, because I found myself eating "pinkish" chicken. Its probably edible though.

Lastly, to make this lunch any more drawn out, I added pineapple for the finishing touch. I have a weak spot for pineapple. I could sleep with it. Resting above the cupboards we had 2 Costco bulk cans of diced pineapple. The kind that says, "Serving Size: 3948". I opened up one of those bad boys and coated it on my sauce....so good. And besides, I fit the leftover pineapple in only 3 large tuperwares! (score!)

So if anything, learn that my dear future husband doesn't have anything to look forward to coming out of the oven or stove, and should anticipates so good ol' Raman and cereal.

its decemeber first, i'm watching a Christmas movie

Its one of those weeks, that you sigh in relief that its over.
Is it sad that sometimes I think that?

I feel in my defense, after the severity of the week, i felt justified for feeling that way.
Sad news alert: its going to be like this for the next two weeks.

I had two major group projects due on Tuesday and Thursday.
After alot of hiccups with the projects, and finding time for 5-6 people to meet at once, outside of classes, work, homework, sleeping, eating, (when most of us had other group projects too) we concluded we had to meet at 9:30pm-12:45am every night at the library until we were done.

Sweet baby lambs, we finished! Ugh.....
All you want is your bed. I've been craving it more than chocolate.

So...you want to see what i've been so cracked up on. No, keep in mind we are basically professionals, and God's most talented children, so be impressed is what I am trying to say.

1. Comms 101, Mass Communication and Society, we had to create a video essay that describe a course concept from lecture. We chose to do a "I am a Mormon" campaign after we learned about Philo T. Farnsworth who invented the Television and was also a Mormon.

2. Intro to Public Relations, 235, we had to create a campaign case analysis. We were given two problems (regarding either Provo Lake, or Downtown Provo). My group chose to increase the awareness for students about Downtown Provo. We choose to spin off the great series, "Downton Abbey," and created strategies, tactics, and objectives, for our core publics.
(this was our poster tactic--we had to create 6 other tactics, but clearly this is the coolest).

series of november: numeros tres

(clearly you can tell, i'm working on my es spañol, don't mind me). 

During the Thanksgiving break, it was so fun to have the Caudles and Vances constantly coming to visit us. How fun to have children running everywhere. I forgot how much I missed that. 

cute memories: 

--Little Julia and I stayed home after the Thanksgiving feast while the rest of the family went to take a walk. I thought it would be fun to watch Garfields Thanksgiving with her on YouTube, and while she was waiting for me to pull it up, she began copying everything that I said and did. As soon as she stopped, and I began copying her. After a while she said, "well, can you say, 'gahrannkallakiymakahfyr." I tried and failed. But we both ended up laughing heartily. 

--Christian can say 'ipad' better than he can say his own name. 

 Isaac knows how to use the ipad in style. Diaper and all.

 That awkward moment when you dress the same as your sister for church. we're flip-flopped.

 The kid table on Thanksgiving. I don't have a picture of the adult table, so do your best to imagine a large table with copious amounts of delicious food.

Took the Williams family pictures in the neighbors backyard...

more to come!

series of November: numero dos

November 17, 2012

After arriving in Gresham Friday evening, Saturday was a very special day. As a child growing up I always sang, "I love to the Temple," and for the past 20 years (hey, in a week, I can say that officially), I have been preparing to go to the Temple. I remember talking to my mom one night at the kitchen table back in August and she told me as much as she could about the Temple, and feeling a lump in my throat for how badly I wanted to and be apart of the temple work. Ever since October 6th, 2012, that possibility of attending the Temple, came sooner than anticipated, and you should know, very welcomed.

The Portland Temple was the first temple I went to for baptisms for the dead, and now for my endowments. And....it could potentially be the Temple I get married in too.

The time I spent with my mom the hours before I went to the temple was very special. My mom was suffering intense pain in her legs from the polio, but the acts of service she rendered me that day was a glimpse into her eternal love for me. I told her I was sorry, and that I should have asked one of my sisters to escort me and she said "oh no. I wouldn't ever miss this day." thanks mom for being the best escort!

The first time going through the temple was great, truly. But to be honest, the second time was even better, and I know it will get better and better each time. I went again last night for the second time, and I didn't want to leave. I want to go to the Temple more and more. It really is the best place.

I'm so grateful for my family and friends who showed their support. They took time out of their day. And a sweet babysitter who babysat 7 kids, for free, because she knew our family was at the temple for me. Seriously. People are the best. And I know that the happiness I felt was because it was shared with others. Especially, my eternal family.

series of events: November

November is remembered in my book as special for two reasons:
1. no shave November
2. last full month of school (and Thanksgiving, of course!)

Here are a few details of life that can't go unnoticed:

November 13, 2012: Lynette got her mission call.


Lynette and I have been best friends since well, birth. Thanks to our shared blood, we get to call each other cousins and its the best. All growing up we played pretend 'college', and little did we know that we would randomly be roommates our first term of college and now we live 3 block away. Its the best.
I see her more often through the library window (such as last night), then I do in person. Or today we both skipped a class because we got talking on the phone for so long. That is true friendship. :)


Lynette was surrounded by so many family and friends when she opened her mission call to Curituba, Brazil. The same mission as my friend from back home, Conner House. And the professor I work for, also served there.

 

November 16, 2012:

I drove home to Oregon! I drove with the Williams family. So these next few pictures are dedicated to their cute kids.


The morning of the Drive... I have the cutest nieces and these are just 2 of them!

Sunday morning...this picture will get 10x cuter when you realize what they're watching

 Look who I found crawling in my suitcase....

And yes in fact, C-boy has a mohawk as his hair style for church. 

November 19, 2012: I did shopping and more shopping for the mission. I was at JCPenny trying on shoes and this boy felt inclined too....

 Later that evening we had a nice skateboard debut by C-boy. His father has never been more proud.
Christian was a little ninja. He went into Evelyn's room with the light off, and took it from her room and carried it up.

More Thanksgiving highlights to come!