Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Micah's Wedding

Micah and Chelsea were married on Saturday, December 13, 2008. What a day to get married! The snow was pounding and the drive was a bit sketchy. Needless to say, a wedding never waits on the weather and by the time they came out of the temple, the snow and wind had stopped just in time for pictures. That was a gift from my mom I think--what bride does not stress about the photo opps? The day was amazing and everything was so exquisitely planned. What a beautiful couple. We are so lucky as a family to welcome and have Chelsea as a part of it. She is such a fun person to be with and she makes my little brother so happy. Here are a few pictures that my Aunt Veronica took--without her and Julie I would be pictureless.


Micah and Chelsea. Don't you love her shawl? And, YES (if your wondering) I did PET the shawl!



Us. I have chopped my hair and have again chopped it shorter since this picture. You only live once. Why not try something new?



Richie and Rubes. Look at her beautiful red curls.



The family outside the Salt Lake Temple



Richie and Julie live in New York. Man do we miss them already!



This is Steven and I with my cute cousin Laurel. She is ready to give birth but only looks about 4 months prego. Good luck Laurel!



This is my Mom's brother Bart (who looks like he could be my Granddad's twin) and my Aunt Judy. I always love to visit with these two and wish we could see each other more often.

The day was simply special. Good luck to the newlyweds. As I look out the window at snow today they are on a beach somewhere in the Bahamas. Just a frigid thought.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Quick Thanksgiving Thoughts

Sorry, late thanksgiving post this year. Though it was filled with family, love and laughter, there were also many tears to be shed; however, for the most part, Thanksgiving went off without a hitch. We all pitched in together to make a superb Thanksgiving feast. I even did my research and googled some great recipes for heart-healthy Thanksgiving dishes (just for you, dad). My favorite thing was the cauliflower mashed potatoes--absolutely heavenly!!! Steven was really worried that since I do not cook (and never have) I should not make the first meal I ever cooked be on the largest and most important day of feast. Eat your heart out, honey--SUCCESS!

I am most thankful for my mom and her wonderful example. I am thankful for the fun memories I have with her. She was the person I would call if I needed to go someplace--she was up for anything. Though quiet as a mouse in public, my mom never held back when she was around me. We would laugh and talk as if we were teenagers. I would see her daily and talk to her more than that. She was truly one of my best friends. I am thankful for the wonderful person she was and the wonderful family she helped my dad create. I AM THANKFUL FOR HER LIFE.

It is no secret that I have been very upset, bitter, angry, hateful, neglectful, quiet (yes, me being quiet is not ordinary), etc., etc., etc. My feelings have been selfishly based and probably have no merit. Thanksgiving was a time to spend with the people I love and reflect on how lucky we are as a family. I hope that as I start a new year and celebrate the ending of 2008 I will be fortunate enough to understand the ultimate plan for all of us and focus on the important things still present in my life.

I am thankful to have had the chance to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with Steven and his WONDERFUL family; Richie, Jules and Ruby from New York; and, Micah and Chelsea who came from down south. I am especially thankful to have had the opportunity to spend the holiday in the comfort of my father who is an amazing rock of faith for all of us. Love you all!