The Home Life
It's been great being home for Thanksgiving, and I'm sad I have to go back to Salt Lake tomorrow, though that's where my life is now. It's snowing and blowing so hard right now...perhaps it will tomorrow so my flight gets cancelled until Thursday. :)
I flew in Bay City Thanksgiving night and met my parents at the home of my aunt and uncle for Thanksgiving. We stayed until Saturday morning when we headed back home for the five hour drive north to the U.P.
*P.S. Note: My Katie KB drove three hours northeast to come see me at my aunt's! Love her miss her!!!
I lugged home one suitcase inside of another in case I want to bring things back to Salt Lake with me. Slowly but surely I will have my things transported to Utah, though one of these days I will have to rent a U-Haul to do so. My suitcase was filled with presents clad in wrapping from A Christmas Story for my parents.
Sunday morning we went to church together at Germfask. I was asked to get up and bear my testimony for the six other Saints attending. I spoke of some memories of Germfask, as the branch is closing in a couple weeks and most of the members will have to drive 1 1/2-2 hours to Marquette (my current home ward). It's a sad thing for me to think of, but let me tell you - on Sunday there was such a Spirit in that little building. I've never felt such energy coming from the members there! They even planned a temple trip one last time as a little branch. And they sang so loudly!!! My heart was moved beyond words.
Sunday night we came home and had Christmas while I'm here. I already distributed my gifts to my parents on Saturday night. I can't wait to have children someday because Christmas is SO exciting when I am the one playing Santa Claus! :)
My parents surprised me and played Santa, too. My dad bought me a digital camera!!! I love taking pictures and all I have is my crummy cell phone to take pictures with. I've been wanting a camera forever and he bought me one! He seemed like he was apologizing because he wanted to get me a laptop but the store was out Black Friday morning. Pish posh! The camera is amazing and I'm so grateful for it. It's a Red Casio Exilim EX-Z75 (7.2 Mega Pixels).
Mom also bought me a coat! I didn't bring one to Michigan with me and it's sooooo cold. Plus, mine in Utah is bulky on me (though in perfect condition). I tried one on and though I looked like an Eskimo, mom and I both loved it. They also gave me a bit of a monetary gift, which was completely unneccesary and I'm already plotting how to return it in an inconspicuous way. Gas gift card? Partial house payment? Hmmm.
We had ham and sweet potatoes for dinner, and our traditional shrimp dip/spread. A Christmas Story just happened to be on TV, too, so we watched that together as we do every year.
Yesterday (Monday) I went to lunch with my mom at the local Chinese/Thai place downtown (owned/operated by some Hmong friends of ours). I think they make the best Thai food, and I've got a huge city of options to choose from in Utah! Last night mom and I went to Pamida together and tried on some tops and bought gloves because it's cooooold here.
It's been so great spending time home. I hate saying good-bye. I always think it will be easier, but it's harder every time because we grow closer every day. I am super strong in my faith and beliefs, and though some days I get the anxiety of what death may bring (hey, I'm human, too), I feel peace that if and when one of us are taken from this life, I will feel even closer to Heavenly Father and feel comforted knowing that my family has each other forever and eternity. That makes the good-byes much easier to bear. I know we can get through anything.
I flew in Bay City Thanksgiving night and met my parents at the home of my aunt and uncle for Thanksgiving. We stayed until Saturday morning when we headed back home for the five hour drive north to the U.P.
*P.S. Note: My Katie KB drove three hours northeast to come see me at my aunt's! Love her miss her!!!
I lugged home one suitcase inside of another in case I want to bring things back to Salt Lake with me. Slowly but surely I will have my things transported to Utah, though one of these days I will have to rent a U-Haul to do so. My suitcase was filled with presents clad in wrapping from A Christmas Story for my parents.
Sunday morning we went to church together at Germfask. I was asked to get up and bear my testimony for the six other Saints attending. I spoke of some memories of Germfask, as the branch is closing in a couple weeks and most of the members will have to drive 1 1/2-2 hours to Marquette (my current home ward). It's a sad thing for me to think of, but let me tell you - on Sunday there was such a Spirit in that little building. I've never felt such energy coming from the members there! They even planned a temple trip one last time as a little branch. And they sang so loudly!!! My heart was moved beyond words.
Sunday night we came home and had Christmas while I'm here. I already distributed my gifts to my parents on Saturday night. I can't wait to have children someday because Christmas is SO exciting when I am the one playing Santa Claus! :)
My parents surprised me and played Santa, too. My dad bought me a digital camera!!! I love taking pictures and all I have is my crummy cell phone to take pictures with. I've been wanting a camera forever and he bought me one! He seemed like he was apologizing because he wanted to get me a laptop but the store was out Black Friday morning. Pish posh! The camera is amazing and I'm so grateful for it. It's a Red Casio Exilim EX-Z75 (7.2 Mega Pixels).
Mom also bought me a coat! I didn't bring one to Michigan with me and it's sooooo cold. Plus, mine in Utah is bulky on me (though in perfect condition). I tried one on and though I looked like an Eskimo, mom and I both loved it. They also gave me a bit of a monetary gift, which was completely unneccesary and I'm already plotting how to return it in an inconspicuous way. Gas gift card? Partial house payment? Hmmm.
We had ham and sweet potatoes for dinner, and our traditional shrimp dip/spread. A Christmas Story just happened to be on TV, too, so we watched that together as we do every year.
Yesterday (Monday) I went to lunch with my mom at the local Chinese/Thai place downtown (owned/operated by some Hmong friends of ours). I think they make the best Thai food, and I've got a huge city of options to choose from in Utah! Last night mom and I went to Pamida together and tried on some tops and bought gloves because it's cooooold here.
It's been so great spending time home. I hate saying good-bye. I always think it will be easier, but it's harder every time because we grow closer every day. I am super strong in my faith and beliefs, and though some days I get the anxiety of what death may bring (hey, I'm human, too), I feel peace that if and when one of us are taken from this life, I will feel even closer to Heavenly Father and feel comforted knowing that my family has each other forever and eternity. That makes the good-byes much easier to bear. I know we can get through anything.