Things I am Grateful for This Week

This has been a rough week for me so I thought maybe I would gain a little perspective by sharing some things that I am grateful for:

- The little bit of patience that I have been given. It's just enough to make me realize it's a good thing and that I want more of it but a small enough amount to really have to work hard to not use it up so quickly.

- The gospel of Jesus Christ. Without it, I wouldn't be able to console myself by thinking "this is just a trial, the Lord knows who I am and will help me overcome this, and then He will bless me when I do. Awesome".

- My wonderful husband. He is absolutely perfect for me. It took us both some time and some trials in order for us to be ready for each other but we finally made it!

- My job. I love my job. Even though most of my patients have no idea that I have a bachelors of science degree and treat me accordingly I still love to educate them about how important good oral hygiene is to their overall health.

- My family. I love them. They are great to me. Simple as that.

-My inlaws. They are awesome.

- Beauty. It really is all around us and I love when I recognize its many forms.

Christmas in Texas

For Christmas this year we went to Houston to stay with my wonderful in-laws. I got strep throat the day we flew out there but was able to go to the doc and get antibiotics before we left. So, I felt a lot better but I still slept a lot the whole time I was there. It was a very nice break.

We had a great time with Matt's parents. Lauralyn made lots of yummy treats and meals while we were there (thank you! we definitely don't eat that well at home). Matt and Stephen watched an entire season of LOST. And we all went to the theatre to watch Blindside, Sherlock Holmes, and AVATAR.

These pics were taken from their backyard. Very pretty!

Matt turned 28 while we were there so we had some homemade red velvet cake and ice cream to celebrate. He seems pretty excited to be older.

It was kind of cold and rainy while we were there but the last day it was sunny so we went to the boardwalk near their home for a little stroll. It would be so fun to live so close to the ocean, except when the hurricanes come.

Merry Early Christmas to US!!!!!

We don't have Nick for Christmas this year so we had to have ours when he was with us this weekend. I was so excited for Christmas because I knew it would be so fun with Matt and Nick. They both really liked their presents and it was fun to see them get so excited.

Nick got a BIKE, books, puzzles, and movies. Matt got some fun accessories for his truck. And I got a NIKON D5000 D-SLR! Which I am SUPER excited about! I spent all day playing with it.

So excited to open his gifts.

His loot from Papa and Grammy. THANKS! He loves them!

Matt looking pretty excited about his cold air intake. He already installed it himself (which I was pretty impressed about).

Really excited about my camera!

Nick showing his dad how to put the bike together, haha.

My fav pic. That face is priceless.

Nick's bike is pretty sweet! But it's a little big for him and he has a hard time riding it. Hopefully he grows quick! In the meantime he has plenty of other toys to keep him busy so I am not too worried.

I know that all this "stuff" isn't the real the meaning of Christmas but watching them open their gifts and be so happy was a great feeling. And "we are that we might have joy"! I do believe in Jesus Christ. I know that He lives as an example for all of us. That He sacrificed His own life so that each day I can be forgiven of my many weaknesses and be given the strength to overcome them. I am so grateful for the testimony that I have and that I have the opportunity to continually learn and grow in His gospel through His restored church. He is my Savior and my Redeemer!

Merry Christmas Everyone! We love you!

Temple Square

We braved the cold last weekend and went to see the lights at Temple Square. Nick was such a trooper and did really good. He loved seeing the lights and the Temple. He was a little wary of the Christus at first but got used to it after a while.

Matt and I really enjoyed the lights and the Spirit and I think Nick's favorite was riding the Trax Train to get back to the car!

Colorado

Last weekend I went to Colorado to go visit my little brother and sisters. It was bitter cold there (yes, even more so than Utah) but all the cuddling with my little nephew and nieces kept me plenty warm. The weekend went by way too fast and I can't wait to go back again, those kiddos grow up way too fast.

This was my first time I have ever met my 15 month old niece Serenity. She is a spunky little thing with beautiful blue eyes that make it hard not to give her whatever she wants.

Noah was so excited to see his Auntie Chanci and even though the weekend went by quickly I think we had a lot of fun playing together and watching Mickey's Playhouse.

And I was lucky to be there right when my other niece Serena Emily was born. She was so tiny at 6lbs 11oz and as beautiful as ever. Congratulations Chay and Tori!

It was so good to be able to see my family around this special time of year. Thanks for spending time with me! I love you and miss you all.