I Love to See the Temples

13 years with my best friend

Our friend Helen invited us to go see the Christmas lights on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Dec. 23.  It sounded like a good idea, so we went.  Looking back, it was a good experience.  But at the time, it felt like the most INSANE way to spend an evening.  (Helen's family lived in American Samoa when we did, and we've had quite a few insane adventures together, so really, this was nothing new.) Ephraim had to work, so my sister Rachel innocently agreed to come with me. It was super stressful!!  Freeway traffic, downtown driving, parking garages, being late, cold weather--all things I despise.  Temple Square was unimaginably crowded.  You probably know, you were probably there.  The whole world was, apparently. And we had a mass of kids. I don't know how many times I counted heads that night. But we did snap a few happy pictures: After seeing the sights, we got hot chocolate, and luckily found a nice place to rest, warm and dry......

Ephraim is a CNA at a senior living center and had to work this holiday. On Christmas Eve we wanted to let him know he wasn't forgotten or missing out, and we wanted to share Christmas joy so we organized a spur of the moment caroling crew with my kids, mom, sisters, and nieces. With costumes, chimes, cookies, and beautiful children Ephraim said we were one of the best caroling groups they'd seen. It was a wonderful experience to sing carols with these residents, seasoned souls who also are celebrating the gift of our Savior.

The kids like to play steamroller, gum, and road kill. It's a good time!

We had a fine day out last week. The little boys had their first dentist appointments. I was surprised how well they sat in the chair. They usually never sit still! Then we stopped by Blickenstaff's where my niece works, and we tested out tons of cool toys. It's a magical place! So good to have some moments of joy with my boys.

Sunday afternoon + Old bread + Eager ducks = Happy Kids

Saturday we went to a BYU women's volleyball game.  It was so much fun!! We had a great time rising and shouting as they unfolded their victory story.  Then to truly convert the kids to cougar fan-dom, we took the kids to the Creamery for ice cream cones.  Mmm, yay for family time!

This year we had a not-so-scary vampire girl, an FBI spy, a Wild Kratt in a bat creature power suit, and a cute candy craving kid. And I got to see what I'd look like with Cher hair.

Can I just say again how much I love autumn? I love the colors, bundling up, picking apples, and getting ready for the winter holidays. Now if it would just not get so cold it would be perfect! Here's our first time at a pumpkin patch.

Look what came in the mail yesterday. I'm so excited! It's my diploma for my Master of Education from University of Hawaii.  Most of my work for my masters was done at our school in American Samoa and on my laptop. This diploma is a real, tangible testament to all of that hard work and a reminder of that precious period of my life. Just yesterday I was giving a lesson at church about patience. I shared that in 2002 we were living in Honolulu and I applied to a masters program at University of Hawaii, but I didn't get in. It wasn't my time. Exactly ten years later the opportunity arose to apply for grad school at UH, this time in a different program and at a reduced cost (since Ephraim was faculty). It was the right time. I'm just amazed at how well our Father in heaven knows us and wants to bless us. In His time.  So yay!

Who doesn't love a short hike in autumn? We packed a lunch and planned to hike for a half hour then go to a movie. Well once we found a stream to explore we were so busy the movie idea "took a hike". It was a great day for the Temples.

Some sights from our house. At the park Picture day for my Kinderkid Our friend Slug