Pics

Near my house, there is a lit-up, Passing Gas Santa yard decoration. His cloud lights a barbecue pit. Stay classy, Santaquin. 

Laurel gave my mom and I tickets to Time Out For Women in Salt Lake (my brilliant sister opted out). The speaker was Ann Romney. I went with an open mind and really tried to soak in the message of what she was saying. I came away with a few conclusions:

1) She is a good person and I can see why look up to her.

2) I did not feel stirred or motivated by her speaking, as I'd hoped to. It was empty to me and I look for leaders who can stir me or make me feel a connection. I didn't have that with Ann.

3) Just because I didn't have that connection doesn't mean others can't, and I feel strongly about being respectful of other's opinions. If Ann moves your heart and not your bowels, then we are friends and I love you for it.

This is a guy that I taught on my mission. My companion, Hermana Whitcomb, and I met him my first week in El Paso. He was in high school and had ordered a Lamb of God video. He was baptized within the month. The day before Thanksgiving, he invited me to his sealing with his wife. Aren't they cute? Both are Samoan. It was a beautiful experience. I was feeling sick and didn't want to make the drive, but so glad I went. I'm really happy for them. 

Ever since I started seeing Jacob (almost a year ago!), the temple has made so much more sense. There are a lot of things that never really worked out in my head or were just downright weird, but when I keep in my my relationship with Jacob, it falls into place and the puzzle is a more complete picture for me. It is such a peaceful feeling to be married to someone who makes me feel whole and helps me have a deeper understanding of things I care so much about. 

Hannah would not have had a complete Thanksgiving without playing Minute to Win It. We had the kids put Vaseline on their noses and see who could stick the most cotton balls on without using hands. It was hilarious!

My mom conjured up a shooting station--fling rubber bands at a roll of toilet paper to break the paper. It was kind of hard! I love this pic even though it's fuzzy: Sean (on the right in fleece skull pants) hit Jen (middle in a blue sweatshirt) with a rubber band on the behind. He was pretty proud of himself. I guess sibling rivalry doesn't end even in your 40s.

I also had a birthday in there that involved some baked potatoes, cheesecake, and some GREAT pig and chicken pajamas. Anyway, I've spent the whole weekend being dog sick and this has worn me out. Goodnight, all.