Friday, December 30, 2011

 I love the holidays! I love the music, the cheer, the festivities, and the lights! I already posted my pictures of my Christmas tree, which I love. It's a simple tree, but the twinkling lights and simple ornaments make me smile every day.

A few places nearby have an exorbitant amount of lights and I LOVE IT! 

My first visit was to the Washington DC Temple. I don't even want to think about how many lights they have there, or how many people/how long it takes to string them... but they are breathtaking! The visitor center also has concerts every night in December and they are fabulous as well. It's a great missionary tool and I am sure the visitor center gets many interested individuals and family's inquiring about the church because of their experience here.



 One friend noted to me how the lights around the visitor center are bright and colorful, but as you get closer to the temple they turn to all white. Very fitting and I am sure it was done on purpose! But, I love just driving around the parking lot and taking it all in. It's beautiful!!
 My next visit was to see the National Christmas tree on the National Mall. This is my 3rd year in DC and my first visit to see the tree. I also learned that each state and territory has their own tree as well, so I had to come and take a look. It was the perfect evening! I found parking within one minute of looking on the National Mall and the temperature outside was only about 50 degrees! That's my kind of winter weather!!

I love this picture of the National Tree, with the state trees surrounding it and the White House lit up in the background.
 There's a National Menorah right next to the tree as well!
 The White House. 
It's hard to see in the picture, but you can see the trees and lights inside when you look closely. So pretty!
 Pennsylvania State Tree!
 Then, around the National Tree they had a train exhibit. It reminded me of my childhood. We had a "train room" in my house in PA because my family was so into model trains! I went on many excursions with my family to see model train shows and I would be mesmerized  by all the detail in the displays. It's really amazing how they are crafted and built!
 A train village!
 Me in front of the National Tree!
 My final holiday visit (well, the final one I got pictures of... I went to walk around Old Towne but forgot my camera!) I went to the National Harbor across the river. I had been there with my little buddy, Jeremiah, two seasons ago and at that point the village was just being built. But, oh my word... it's grown by leaps and bounds! Stores everywhere, conference centers, hotels.... it's huge now! But, I arrived just in time to walk around and see the sunset as well as their tree!

 I love the colors in this tree! It's hard to see, but there is a musical group performing so I wasn't able to get a picture in front of the tree. However, just opposite this tree was a HUGE PEEPS store. Never been in one before. Oh my word - more Marshmallow Peeps than I could EVER imagine! I like eating maybe one or two a year, but wow... they had more Peeps than I could ever imagine!
As the holiday season comes to a close, my heart is filled with gratitude for the blessing it is to take part in the holiday cheer, music, festivities, and lights. But, more than anything, the reminder that we are celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. And that HE is the light, the truth and the way. It is through HIM that we can find comfort and peace, direction and guidance, and that if we seek HIM, we can feel HIS love in our lives all year long.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Little reminders from the Lord in every day happenings

For me, Christmas this year was different from any other. Or, I should also say, The Christmas Season.


In years past, I've been on top of gift buying and trying to think about the perfect gift for everyone in my family (& myself!). I usually help coordinate it for others in my family as well.

But, this year was different.


My mom's health has been on a slightly rapid decline since the middle to end of October. It's been difficult and heart-breaking on many different levels. So, this holiday season, my thoughts and energy have been mostly directed towards that and keeping my own life running as usual. I have found a lot of hope and strength in holiday music and thinking about Christ. I have made sure I took part in some of the joyous events of the season and embracing as much of the spirit of it as I could, while staying away from the commercial aspect as much as possible.


But, that doesn't mean there were times of personal pity parties. I'll not deny that it is hard to be single during the holidays. It's also been hard for me this season to see my siblings and friends get together with in-laws or their own families and celebrate the holiday. I have fond memories of Christmas past when my family would gather at my grandparents and all my cousins/aunt/uncles would be together. It was so much fun! And, even though numbers have varied over the years, it has always been a time of gathering. For me, Christmas has always been about the people you spend it with... and the more, the merrier!


Well, this year, with my mom's health and her being unable to travel, I knew it would just be me and her for the holiday.... knowing she was so sick...

Then, when she went in to the hospital last week and was then transferred to a hospital about 90 minutes north of our house, I knew that would mean for me waking up on Christmas in a hotel room and spending the day in the hospital. Sadly, I let myself wallow in this for a bit last week... until I was reminded to maybe think of someone else for a change?! Maybe my mom? Imagine that. Thinking of someone else for a change.


Did my mom really want to be in such poor health? Did she want to be the one in a hospital bed on Christmas when she is usually doing all the work to make Christmas special for her children? ABSOLUTELY NOT. So, I worked on an attitude adjustment and tried to make Christmas nice for her. I brought some of our family traditions to her!


It was an enjoyable day. Would I rather have been with family, and not have my mom so sick. YES. But, the Lord reminded me and helped me see that trials can give us strength and new perspective, that it's always better to focus on others, and that Christ is there to help support us when life gets hard. My mom made me laugh and smile yesterday, even though I know the challenges she is facing could bring her to tears at any moment. But, I learned in a new way that Christmas isn't just about the actual day and what you do on that day... it's more about how you live your life, how you treat others, and really just being a disciple of Christ as best you can.


I was also reminded how blessed I was to have always had the day off in order to celebrate the holiday with my family. In the hospital, every one of my mom's doctors came in to see her (even though it was a Sunday and Christmas) and there were many other staff there who were happy to be there helping patients, when their own family members were at home.


Later that night, I was reading "Little Women". (It's the book my book club is reading for January) and I just so happened to read this last night amidst my contemplating the gentle reminders the Lord had given me recently...


(Mrs. March is sharing a story with her 4 girls)

"Once upon a time, there were four girls, who had enough to eat and drink and wear, a good many comforts and pleasures, kind friends and parents who loved them dearly, and yet they were not contented.... (They) were constantly saying, 'If only we had this,' or 'If we could only do that,' quite forgetting how much they already had, and how many things they could actually do. So they asked an old woman what spell they could use to make them happy, and she said, 'When you feel discontented, think over your blessings, and be grateful. ...



Being sensible girls, they decided to try her advice, and soon were surprised to see how well off they were. ... So they agreed to stop complaining, to enjoy the blessings they already possessed, and try to deserve them, lest they should be taken away entirely, instead of increased, and I believe they were never disappointed or sorry that they took the old woman's advice."


Coincidence in my reading that Christmas night? I think not. The Lord had another reminder for me and that is to focus on my blessings... because one day they might be "taken away entirely". I know I have been so blessed and there is no reason for me to have pity parties for myself. I am grateful to the Lord for this reminder, grateful for the things He continues to teach me, and grateful for the opportunity I have to study the life of Christ and try to follow in his footsteps.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Charity is...

I love this quote:


"True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere....Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others... Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out."

President Thomas S. Monson

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Time with Aunt Cara

 This weekend, or really just Sat & Sunday, my brother and sister in law took the opportunity to go to NYC, so I had the chance to watch Holland while they were gone! 


She is now just 3 months old and is the cutest! Her little chubby cheeks and the smiles she gives melt my heart! I tried to capture some of them in the camera while she was doing it, but as soon as the flash went off her eyes got so WIDE and she stopped smiling. I thought it was funny! She probably wondered why I was torturing her with this!
 We fared well for the most part. I definitely could not swaddle her just like mom and dad do, or prepare her bottles so there wasn't any air getting in just like they do, but she was patient with me. She got lots of "oohh's and ahh's" when we went to Target together yesterday. And, today in church she continued to get lots of attention since she was one of two babies/toddlers there!


On our way home from church, we had an explosive diaper, so I took this picture while I was washing ALL of her clothes. Babies are messy! She loves the swing that she is in... even though she still doesn't smile when the flash goes off!

 Ha ha... love her wide eyes in this one too! It was a fun and slightly eventful 36 hours, but she survived :) I think she was happy to be reunited with mom and dad though... and have things return to normal once again. I am sure she wonders what her crazy aunt was thinking at some points over the past two days! Ha ha... if only she could talk :)

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Christmas Decorating... I'm no Martha, but I am proud to be Cara!

 This post will seem very silly to others, esp those who are creative/crafty... but it is a real struggle for me to decorate anything and to be creative in the approach as well! I really want to have my apartment feel like "home"... and to be cute as well!

Even though this looks (and is) very simple, I am very proud of what I was able to accomplish in my new apartment! It's no Martha Stewart, but I think it's cute, and that's all that matters :)  ...(and many thanks to my mom who let me raid the decorations in her basement!)

 My dining room table
My $20 Target 6" Christmas Tree!
For $20 I can't complain!
And, decorations from the angel tree 
I won many, many years ago :)

Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Be of Good Comfort, Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole

Lately, I've really been struggling with faith and optimism when things aren't looking so great in my limited view of life (or, my life).

I could never, ever, deny that the church, or the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Never. I know it is. But, maintaining that peaceful gospel perspective and finding the JOY in today when illnesses, tragedy and unfulfilled righteous hopes/dreams are staring me in the face does not come easy to me.

This past Sunday a good friend suggested that I choose a scripture and memorize it as I study all about it during the week. I took that challenge and found 2. Almost have them memorized...

1. Luke 8:48: "And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." That is the Savior talking to the woman he just healed. But, I love how he 1. Calls her Daughter; 2. Tells her to be of good comfort (what I seek most); 3. Tells her that her own faith healed her; 4. and to go in Peace (also something I desire). I want to have the faith that this woman does!

2. Doctrine & Covenants 98:1  "Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks". This is Joseph Smith writing to the Saints who are being sorely persecuted. Again, I love how 1. he calls them friends; 2. Tells them to fear not (something I wish I didn't have in my life either); 3. hearts be comforted (what I want!!) 4. to rejoice (have JOY... also what I want to have ALL the time in my life... to feel truly Joyful!) and 5. To Give Thanks (This is something I don't do nearly enough... even if I could just express gratitude for every negative thought.complaint would be a milestone for me!

It's so easy to get down and forget all the GOOD things and all the blessings I do have in my life! Tonight I was around someone who was totally down on her luck in life and almost every comment that came from her was negative. I found it getting me down and wanted to change the subject. But, afterwards I thought about this. And, how much of a difference and optimistic attitude makes on your own life as well as those you surround. And, I challenged myself to be purely optimistic... esp when interacting with someone else. I think it will help my own faith and gospel perspective, as well as those around me.

THEN, to top it off, I was browsing lds.org tonight and came across this video by Elder Nelson:

What a profound message. No doubt, I would not have been as calm as he was. But, I want to get to that point and not be the screaming young woman. 
Earlier this week I ran across this quote and found it also in this video:
"If you have a faith, you can handle difficulties. Knowing that with an eternal perspective all will be well... Remember who you are and know your purpose... Don't demand things that are unreasonable, but demand of yourself improvement...Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, you can find strength in these tumultuous times."
 I had already printed out that quote to paste on my fridge so I can see it every day. And, now I have a very nice "mormon message" video to go with it. 
Be of good comfort
Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole

 

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Monticello

I have always wanted to go to Monticello since moving to DC. However, it's about a 2.5 hour drive, so doing it on a Saturday when I am also trying to run errands, etc., just never sounds ideal.

Well, I had some time this week and wanted to stay as far away from the stores on Friday as possible! The weather was ideal! So, off I went. 

I actually got there in 2 hours :) It was busy, but I was able to get a ticket for the house tour about 45 minutes after I arrived. I didn't realize Monticello is located at the top of a "mountain" (large hill, really) and the views were incredible! Especially since the leaves on the trees were mostly gone. And, again, it was BEAUTIFUL out. I wished I had brought a book to read and a blanket!

But, back to the tour. It was very informative and well-done. I didn't know that Thomas Jefferson is considered one of the father's of modern architecture! He was very inventive with a lot of the things he did because he hated to waste time and space. The house was beautiful and I admire the way he ran it. He loved having all of his kids and grandkids there. He had a large garden. He loved books and emphasized education in his family. He also succeeded in doing a lot for our country as well. He must have been one busy man, but he was efficient!

The front of the house
A picture of some of his gardens
The back of the house
A compass he built... or something, 
but the views were awesome!
I could have spent the whole day there. But, I also wanted to just drive around the countryside a bit and go for a walk along some of the trails. I also visited James Madison's house, but didn't get an official tour. And, then drove through the University of Virginia's campus! It's beautiful as well... and I found out on my tour that it was started by Thomas Jefferson! It's got quite a history!

I am so glad I went. One more item checked off of my DC bucket list!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

"Blessings"

After a particularly rough and discouraging afternoon/evening, I came home and turned on my ipod to my "Sunday music selection" knowing that I needed to hear an uplifting message... and hopefully helping my mood.

I wasn't disappointed.

Almost immediately, the following song came on. It caught me. (click title to watch video)


We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise


We pray for wisdom

Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise


When friends betray us

When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

I can just imagine Heavenly Father longing for me to revert back to my faith (that is so lacking right now) that there is a "larger picture" than what I can see right now, that He really does love us to "give us lesser things", and that the aching in this life will lead me to remember "a greater thirst this world can't satisfy."

Patience and Faith when times get rough are the hardest for me. But, just the fact that I have songs with such a powerful reminder is a "mercy in disguise" for me.  

Sunday, November 13, 2011

"Did I do that?"

Ok - I am not one to debate politics... and everyone has their issues with just about every candidate. But, that being said, I am not a huge fan of our current President.

A friend posted this on facebook and I just got a hearty laugh from it! Having grown up watching Family Matters religiously after Full House on Friday nights, I thought this picture was hilarious. Whatever happened to Erkel?  I miss the T.G.I.F lineup. Boy Meets World was hilarious as well.


Friday, November 11, 2011

Live... "Like There's No Tomorrow"


Live... "Like There's No Tomorrow"
 Last night I went to see this year's Warren Miler film. I got home way, way, way past my bedtime for a weeknight, but it was TOTALLY worth it! Not only were the scenes and skiers/boarders in this film AMAZING, but the music and overall message were good too!

I saw a couple of these films when I lived in UT and maybe one or two in Boston. This is their 62nd year making one and there's only one place in the entire tri-state area that shows it... on one night only....And, that cinema just happens to be less than 5 min from me! Had to take advantage and I went with a friend who has a similar passion (although he probably has the skills to back it up... whereas I don't!)

Anyway, below are some pictures from the film. They had clips from resorts all around the world, including one from New Zealand. I totally want to go there! Also, in the brochure they give out, there is a full page picture of the Salt Lake Temple amongst advertisements of resorts in SL. 

However, I took away more from this film than just excitement for fresh powder. The following are some of the things I learned... and felt related to my life, or life in general!

1. I noticed how each skier spotlighted in this film had a PASSION for what they did and life in general. They lived for the opportunity to be in nature and test their skills... to the extreme. But, each day was a new day. The past was behind them and they just looked forward to what was in front of them. 

2. They didn't sit around waiting for the perfect ski conditions to get out there. They just made sure they were prepared for the elements and went for it!

3. They didn't say... Oh - tomorrow I'll ski. Or put off for a day what they could do today. 

4 They relied on at least one other to go skiing with. They knew they couldn't go alone and they all supported and encouraged one another.

5. They lived with NO REGRETS and took advantage of everything they could. 

6. They were HAPPY! They love what they do and could care less what anyone else thought of them. I thought it was so funny that many of the skiers knew in high school or college that they just COULD NOT have a desk job. I wanted to stand up and clap when I heard that because that is ME! For a while now I've struggled with what to do with my life. I can't sit behind a desk all day... but extreme skiing is not really where I think I should go! But, it was so nice to hear someone verbalize that it's OK to not want to sit behind a desk all day in order to be a productive member of society and enjoy life!

7. One skier said: "I don't know if there is anywhere in the world better to be, than to be here right now." Awesome! I wish I could say that more often than not... even if it's just here in VA or DC. Just enjoying where I am in the moment no matter where that is!

Overall, I could relate each one of these points to my own life. Being HAPPY no matter what the circumstances are. Being content with where I am right now, but willing to push myself... even if just a little bit. Living with no regrets... no more "if" I had done this or that. Relying on others for help and support is OK... we're not meant to face this world and its challenges alone. Not procrastinating what I can accomplish today.... and finally - HAVE PASSION for all that I do!

LIVE LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW
"The key to life is living like there's no tomorrow. 
If you're sitting on the couch you're obviously 
not riding some powder, 
so maybe you should get off the couch and go ride!"

What a great message. What a great movie.
Now I just need some sleep :)





Monday, November 7, 2011

Forget-Me-Not

I was reminded of this talk today at a time I needed the reminder...


Forget-Me-Not


1. Forget not the WHY of the gospel
"The gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation; it is a pathway, marked by our loving Father in Heaven, leading to happiness and peace in this life and glory and inexpressible fulfillment in the life to come. The gospel is a light that penetrates mortality and illuminates the way before us."


2. Forget not that the Lord loves you
You are NOT forgotten by Him
"Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!...You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine." 
 
3. Forget not to be happy NOW
"There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings—we hope and seek after things that are “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.” The problem comes when we put our happiness on hold as we wait for some future event—our golden ticket—to appear....

The tragedy... is that... we fail to notice the blessings we have....The lesson here is that if we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses, we could miss the beauty and wonder of the tiny forget-me-nots that are all around us.




"The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. These are they who are truly happy."


I just wish it was easier to always remember these truths, especially when doubt and trials abound! But, such a beautiful flower and such a beautiful message.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Call me Betty. Betty Crocker, that is!

Call me Betty. Or, Betty Crocker :)

As many past roommates know, I don't cook... or cook very often. If it can't be done in the microwave, or boiled on the stove very quickly, it's just not for me to eat by my own efforts.

Well, to celebrate my new couches, and that I finally have enough supplies in my kitchen TO cook something, I thought I would invite people over for dinner on Sunday! 

This meant I had to spend time thinking about what to make, finding recipes, making a grocery list, buying the food, and then the actual cooking process! Oh my word - so much work! But, it was a success!

And, I just had to celebrate 
and post this for my posterity :)

I was introduced to "Dinner in a Pumpkin" last year by my home teacher, Kaleb. I thought it was the coolest Fall tradition ever, so I have adopted it as my own as well. That was on the menu. Then, just in case my attempts at this failed, I decided to make a pumpkin chili and cornbread! I also made a chocolate pudding pie. (not pictured, but I did take a picture of another dessert I made!)

Because of time constraints, I made the chili on Saturday as well as the cornbread because I knew I could just reheat them before dinner the next day. It was the perfect cooking weather  (overcast, cold, rainy... the kind of weather where you dread going outside). So, I got in the mood by turning a DVR'd "Ellen" on in the background and faced the challenge in the kitchen.  Ellen made me laugh and not think about how much I don't enjoy cooking!

Gutting a pumpkin is not my most favorite thing to do, but I succeeded. I followed the directions to the "T", but the rice and cabbage never cooked in the end and the pumpkin bottom started to burn in the stove so I took it out on time. Now that I think about it, the same thing happened last year when the rice didn't cook. Maybe next year I'll remember and put in rice that's already been cooked! 
 
The chili and the cornbread got good reviews (and I have to say I will def make both again!)... and people didn't say anything negative about the extra "crunch" when they ate the dinner in the pumpkin with the uncooked rice! (I had warned them ahead of time as well :)

But, the evening was a success and now I can rest my desire to cook for another couple of months... or maybe a year! :)
 
 
 Cornbread... so yummy!
 Dinner in a pumpkin & pumpkin chili
This is the yummy dessert I made (but not for the dinner)
Chocolate cake with marshmallows & cherry pie filling
Definitely will make again!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

It's official! I am finally an adult!

My brother declared it official yesterday. 

It's only taken me 31 years and 2 months. 

I am an adult!

And, are you wondering what makes it official? Well, I moved in to my own apartment 2 months ago. That wasn't part of my original plan, but became a necessity as events unfolded quite rapidly at the beginning of the summer. 

As soon as I returned from being on Nantucket for a month and officially moved in, I quickly realized I was not prepared for this step in my life. I didn't own silverware, matching plates, a table or furniture, or anything that was required to cook anything besides pasta. I've always had roommates that already had everything so I never had the need to buy it.

This is a picture of what it did look like. Thanks to time in Boston, I had my free blue recliner that my mom and I dragged a few blocks home  after finding it on the sidewalk when we were out for a walk. The TV is on loan from my mom. The Italian end tables were purchases dating back from my days at the Kennedy School! This Fellow from Italy brought them over and quickly realized he would not be taking them back! (They are heavy!)


So, needless to say, if I had anyone over, one of us would be sitting on the floor.

Well, after moving in, I immediately went out and bought some of the essentials and over the past two months have been filling in the gaps. Two months ago I also went and purchased my first set of REAL COUCHES. They weren't used or hand-me-downs, and I got a GREAT price on them. The only thing is that they took two months to arrive!


And, yes, THIS is what my brother said made me an "OFFICIAL" adult.


My couches arrived this week! 
And, I LOVE them! 

I was pretty picky on what I wanted. I knew I wanted a chair and a half with an ottoman, but they're not easy to find. I knew I also wanted another couch to match, but wasn't sure whether to go for a 2 or 3 seater. I must have sat on a hundred different ones, and dragged my mom to ten different stores until I found exactly what I wanted. And, was even able to get them for less than the already discounted price! They've got the right amount of "sinking in" when you sit on them and the pillow top for the arm rests. 


The ottoman is still on back order... but I can't ask for too much at one time :)


Anyway, they arrived this week and my apartment is FINALLY coming together. I found a nice dining table on craig's list and ordered a runner/tablecloths for it as well. I updated the pictures in some of my frames and my brother came by to help me hang them yesterday. He was disappointed that my TV was still from the 90s, but that didn't seem to affect my "adult" status.

 Still have the TV on loan, but at least I organized that area a little better!
 I walked in today, and looked around, and my apartment finally started to feel like my real home! 

Living on my own has been an adjustment. There are pluses and minuses to it, as with anything. However, one of the things I love the most is that everything is MINE. I can decorate how I want, put pictures of my family/friends, Jesus Christ and the temple, etc., wherever I want. AND, I am the only one making the messes and cleaning up after only my mess! I also love that I have my own garage parking space!

So, now that I am officially an adult, does that mean I have to act more responsible too? If so,  I will decline the adult status. I am not ready to take that step yet!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Fun times with the Huber Family!

General Conference weekend is always GREAT!

Hearing counsel and advice from our prophet and other church leaders helps me to re-focus myself, my priorities and where I spend my time!

But this weekend was extra special because Bekah and I got to spend part of it with Tami and her family!

They recently moved to a town outside of DC and Baltimore. It was a very pretty drive out there and I was tempted to stop at one of the many fruit and produce farms I passed along the way... but it was raining... like it has been every day since the beginning of December!


Sad to say I had not seen Tami since BYU, never met her husband, and therefore, definitely had never met her beautiful girls - A. & K.! They are very entertaining! The little girl I nanny for is definitely not a "girly-girl" so it was fun to be around two very sweet girls who reminded me of when I was little... pick high-heeled dress up shoes, princess wands and dresses!
Bekah's taking a picture at the same time on her computer, and that was more attractive than my camera, so. K. was looking in the other direction! But the girls had put on pretty dresses for dinner and they looked awesome! Note: they each have a wand as well!

We all watched the 2nd session of conference together and I was very impressed by how well her girls kept busy coloring some children's General Conference activity pages, while accurately recognizing some of the speakers when they came on the screen! They also seriously impressed me by their cleaning up and listening skills! I could have these girls give some kids I know some lessons in how to do this!

We had a yummy, yummy dinner and then were entertained more by the girls! We tried taking pictures, but as you can see there were some "candid" moments! Some of the pictures were taken by the girls, and you never knew which direction the camera would be facing when the camera went "click!" Thank goodness for digital cameras and the ability to delete ones that didn't quite work out!
Bekah got a little cut off in this one!


One of my favorites of Bekah.
A. was taking the picture at the time :)
A. taking our picture again.
My head got slightly chopped off :)
Tami and Bekah
A. taking our picture. This one worked!
It was such a fun time! I am so glad they moved closer to us and that we'll get to see each other more often! Oh - and we didn't get to play cornhole because it was raining. I don't even know what that game is, but I'm excited to learn! We did have yummy homemade ice cream and apple pie though :)