tis the season

Well we have made it through Christmas and almost to New Year! Christmas was great. We spent Christmas Eve at my family's house and Christmas day at Cory's. It is fun to think about the traditions we'll have when we have our own family. We had a real Christmas tree this year but it died within the first week or so =( it was still beautiful!

I got a simple little camera from my mom this year. I am so excited. I never take pictures because my SLR camera is such a hassle. Now I have one that I can just stick in my bag. Hooray!!! I think Cory's favorite gift was Simcity. He is having a great time creating his own cities.

I love the Christmas season. There is something so wonderful about thinking of other people. I love giving gifts. It was a little disappointing this year that I didn't have time to make anything for anyone. That is my favorite thing to do. Even if what I make sucks, everyone appreciates something homemade . . . or they at least pretend to =) I always try to tie in something sentimental cuz that's just how sappy I am. I also love the Christmas season because Christ gets more attention. You can really see a change in people. It is too bad there is no way to make it
last all year.

Ahhhh, Christmas Eve at my moms.

Sleepy Cory. Holidays can be exhausting =).


Charity Loved the picture we made for her. She LOVES Pop (as in Pop from Rice Krispies). We photoshoped a photo of her and Pop together. She is so cute.



It was a long couple of days. . .


Gifts glorious gifts. . . Cory did a really great job picking out clothes for me. He 's amazing.

A Lesson or Two

A couple of weeks ago, while I was sitting in Sacrament meeting, I remember thinking that it wouldn't surprise me if an Apostle were to drop by the ward unannounced sometime. I didn't think much of it at the time, but today when we sat down and saw Elder Oaks on the stand, I I remembered that I had thought that (I was still surprised). Bishop Malloy had him bear his testimony after the assigned speakers were finished. Among other things, he said that he wanted to attend one of the local wards and was impressed to visit this one. He ended up staying for all three meetings, including Elders Quorum...did I mention that I was teaching Elders Quorum today?

As I was sitting at my desk this morning at 5:45 a.m., just barely starting to prepare the assigned lesson on the talk by Elder Eyring ironically about procrastination, I remember praying that I would be able to say things for the benefit of those who would hear it...little did I know that an Apostle of the Lord would hear it. As nerve racking as it was, it was so amazing to have him right there responding to my questions just like everyone else, except his was one of the ever-recognizable voices that I have heard since I was a child. He was so attentive and "in" to the lesson; he didn't just sit back and listen, but he participated and seemed to be really enjoying himself. I haven't been able to stop talking about it all day.

After worrying about the high level issues of the Church on a daily basis, it really must be such a fulfilling thing for the Church leaders to be able to show up to just a regular, old ward and see the Saints faithfully attempting to keep their covenants and build Zion. Furthermore, on the flip side, having one of the highest leaders of the Church take the time to visit among the common Church members helps me to believe that much more in the divine nature of their callings.

Now, I can say that I have taught Elder Oaks a lesson or two.

corn dogs and crown burger

Thanksgiving at the Carpenters was very nice and Kevin and Katie did a great job on the lesson. Appropriately, the lesson was on remembering the things we are thankful for. It is nice to sit around and talk about good things. I wish there were more opportunities but it seems like most of life is too filled up with stress and un-fun tasks. Cory had the best list of thankfuls--he always does. Charity had a great list as well. I think she was thankful that everyone loved each other and for corn dogs and Crown Burger. She is an amazing kid. She has so much to teach everyone and she is very entertaining. Kevin read a great chapter out of Mosiah and somehow made it seem like the most important chapter ever written. I am pretty sure Kevin is going to be a general authority someday.

Thanksgiving Part 1

Alas, we find ourselves at the Carpenter household celebrating Thanksgiving. You might ask, "Isn't it like a week and a half before the blessed holiday?" and I would have to respond..."yes". Because of the various schedules within the now somewhat extended family, this year it turns out that Carpenter celebratory activities must be carried out prematurely (which is fine with me because, man, I'm starving today). After dinner, it falls upon Kevin and Katie to give the family home evening lesson which means that I can sit back and give them a hard time (forgive me a cruel chuckle). Even though Jordan isn't able to be here, it is nice to be able to get most of us here together. OK, apparently it is dinner time and I must bring my remarks to a close.