I'm on the top of the world, looking down...

Yesterday Justin's mom took Gracie and I got to go on a ride with Justin, Larry (his dad), and Camille (his sister). It was really refreshing and I had a wonderful time (luckily, I wore about 7 layers because it got pretty cold). The views were gorgeous. We rode up above Snow Canyon Park and I really did feel like I was on the top of the world. People like me have to be careful about being on top of the world because I can see myself falling off the top of the world. Anyway, it is humbling to see such majestic views and I really love the beauty of southern Utah.

Our Crazy Trick Rider

This was Gracie's big present this year. We got this rocking horse from Costco. It makes sounds, moves its head and tail, and has cute stirrups and a saddle. I knew that she would love it but never imagined that I had a trick rider on my hands (or at least yet). These pictures are from the first day we pulled it out. Boys and Girls, do not try this at home.

Position #1
Position #2

Position #3

Mind you, I did not prompt her to do this and am totally surprised that she would come up with that idea on her own. I don't know what's next, but stay tuned because she might surprise us all again.

The day after Christmas, Justin went to work with his horse after work and Gracie and I met him there. Justin's cousin was there and this is their new dog, Sarge. He licked Gracie's face and surprised her. She was glad to have a friend her size and was really fascinated. I can't wait to get a puppy someday.

This is Gracie going for a ride on Buddy, Justin's cousin's miniature horse. It was really cold but Gracie was excited to ride and did not want to get off. She let me know it too. Gracie is starting to look really grown up on a horse and on this ride she held on all by herself. Justin was leading the horse and she kept one hand on the reign and the other on the saddle horn. It was too cute.

Christmas Celebration

Christmas morning was a lot of fun. Gracie liked her Barn, her cute new hat (no I did not crochet this myself), her new doll and just the excitement and confusion that Christmas morning brings.

This is Gracie opening the new doll that Nanny and Grandpa gave her. So cute.

Yes, I'm the parent who stuffs my child in her doll box so that she can be the doll. She was actually quite content in there and played with the farm animals she had thrown in there earlier.
Every time Gracie found a baby bottle she tried to drink it. It was really sweet. The cute apron she is wearing is one my mom made. Gracie's little girl cousins have matching aprons.
This was my gift to my brother Bob. A homemade levi quilt with BYU backing. It was one of the projects I was working on in December and couldn't post about.

We drove home to St. George on Christmas Day to miss the storms on the 26th. We were sad to say goodbye but were glad to travel in safe and nice weather. When we got to St. George we opened our gifts here. Gracie got started right away trying on her new clothes.
After our long day and our trip away from home we were all worn out and ready to sleep in our own beds. Thanks again to all who made it a wonderful holiday.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...

A Picture is worth a thousand words.We had a great time up North for Christmas. We were amazed to see all of the snow. I had almost forgotten how beautiful the freshly fallen snow makes everything look. Too bad I didn't take any pictures of the winter wonderland. We played a lot and Gracie loved hanging out with her fun cousins. Here are some of the highlights.

All of us sitting on Santa's lap.

Cute cousins in their Christmas jammies.

Gracie adoring sweet baby Porter with Nanny

More cousins

Hanging out with dad.

We went to the BYU vs. SUU Basketball game in Provo on our way into town. It was fun and we were glad to get out of the car. Gracie was sad that she couldn't get all the way down to the court (and trust me) she would have if we let her.

Progressive Dinner

Here we are in front of our tree with our stockings. Our house was the first stop. I made P.F. Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps. I'll post the recipe because I loved them. I also made a Christmas tree fruit plate and some bacon cashew wraps.

The second stop was Larry and Carol Ann's home for salads. The salad was delish and at every home we had to evaluate what percentage full we were supposed to be so we could save enough room for it all.Carrie made some Chicken Cordon Bleu and it was great. We were almost not sure if we would be able to fit dessert in, but we pulled through. Jeff had cookies and ice cream waiting for us at his house. We had a great time.

Tuacahn Nativity

On Monday night we met up with some of our friends and went to the nativity at Tuacahn. I had heard about it and thought about going, so I was really glad when our friends invited us to go. It was so incredible. I can't even really do it justice because there was just a beautiful spirit there. They do a live Nativity and play inspiring music as they tell the story. There were real animals- horses, a donkey, goats and sheep and they even had llamas come on stage when the wise men got there. Gracie was full of awe and wonder when she saw each new animal come on stage. She was so good and sat pretty still through the whole thing. It was an inspiring sight to see the little baby Jesus and watch the shepherds kneel to worship this little tiny baby. I think they start this right after Thanksgiving and I would highly recommend this to anyone who is in St. George during that time.

Called To Serve

Before I stat this entry, I want you all to know that I wanted to do a little bit of sentimental reminiscing. I just want to say that I know there are other ways to serve God than by serving a mission and in hindsight, I've gained a really strong testimony that my greatest contribution in this world is that of being a wife and a mother. I have really been impressed by the women in my life for their commitment to the gospel, to their homes and families, and for their amazing examples to me. That said...

5 years ago today I entered to MTC (missionary training center). I remember the days and months leading up to this moment. It was a really bittersweet time for me. I was leaving to Germany for 18 months and was nervous about leaving my family, yet excited about being out on my own. Some of my friends were engaged and nearly engaged. I was happy for them, yet disheartened to miss their weddings and also sad that things would never quite be the same.

I entered the MTC and was given two fantastic companions- Kellie P. and Karee Z. who really made my life as a missionary fun, memorable, and I honestly feel like they were family to me when I was away from my own family. I remember so clearly sitting in class and singing German Christmas carols that I did not yet understand. Then we sang "Away in a Manger" and I realized that I had learned just enough words to really understand the third verse (Keeping in mind that I also knew it was a pretty close translation from the English version).

Sei ganz nahe bei mir
so nah wie es geht
fuer immer und ewig
das ist mein Gebet
und segne die Kinder
mit kraft fuer und fuer
das sie koennen leben
im Himmel mit dir.


Leaving on my mission represents so much for me. I trace so many of the blessings that I enjoy today to my decision to go to Germany and serve the people there. It was such a sweet (and difficult, yet rewarding )experience that I will always remember.