Oops I did it again.

Well I did it again folks. I had high aspirations of actually "catching up" on the blog over Christmas break.

ahem...

However, since my camera is in residence at my in-laws house...those updates won't be happening anytime soon.

I can't figure out how this is affecting me getting the laundry done, but apparently it has far reaching capabilities.

oh well...that's my life!

Something to think about...

I don't know about anyone else, but this Christmas season has been particularly difficult. Not only have members of my own family (extended) passed on and left painful holes that can't be filled, but members of my ward family have too passed on and their loss is felt as well. It is hard to understand and I'm not sure that we even can. It just makes it even more poignant that an email my mom sent out to all my siblings and I about 3 weeks ago stayed in my inbox and I read it over and over and over. Why? Because I needed to. I want to share it with all of you. She said that she found this little poem tacked up on the bulletin board at church.

See? Heavenly Father does hear and answer prayers!


I asked for Strength, and God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for Wisdom, and God gave me Problems to solve.
I asked for Prosperity, and God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.
I asked for Courage, and God gave me Danger to overcome.
I asked for Love, and God gave me Troubled people to help.
I asked for Favors, and God gave me Opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted, I received everything I needed!

Love you all! Have a merry Holiday season. Remember the true reason for this season. Share your testimony and love of the Savior with those around you.

forgot to post...

...when it happened. Life gets away from me sometimes. :)

The Thursday before General Conference, Mike had his mission reunion. Well, that isn't remarkable, you may be thinking. Let me continue...
It was the 20th anniversary of his mission. No lie. He is that old. His mission president and wife
are so great! I mean, really they are. I don't feel instant connections with just everyone, but I totally did the instant I met them 8 years ago. For instance, President Earl and his wife just got back from serving a mission in Peru (again) but this time working on the Perpetual Education Fund. During his time there, he tracked down every, yes EVERY, missionary that served during their time. He knows which ones are dead, which ones are inactive, went through the temple with sons of others as they prepared for their own missions. He said jokingly at the mission reunion that he "got" access to church records that even general authorities don't have access to so that he could find all of his missionaries.
In January, he and Sister Earl are heading over to Spain to be the MTC president there. How cool is that?

Mike and I with the Earls

Mike with one of his only two North American companions, Blake Nelson

And Mike with the other companion, Greg Taylor