Family Night - St. George Temple

Tonight we drove down to see the lights around the St. George Temple and Visitors Center. We were excited to get out and see the beautiful Christus statue, the lights, the manger scene, see the temple, "touch" the temple for Max, and of course to remember the reason why we celebrate Christmas. I will put this on list of things to do once Mark and Justin get here. While there are not nearly as many lights as there are in SLC or Washington DC ... it is still a fun evening and Max had a great time too!

An Afternoon to Remember

Just before Mark had to start work we took a little family trip over to the Washington DC Temple. We had to make a couple of unplanned stops for the car but, thankfully we made it fine. We had the opportunity to walk around the grounds together and take some pictures in the visitors center.

I'm so grateful for the Temple and the perspective that it gives us. I'm grateful that I will be with my family for eternity. (Max 3 & Justin 12)

Happy Anniversary!

Mark and I celebrated our 6th Wedding Anniversary yesterday! We were able to get Max a playdate (thank you Raenie) while Mark and I made our way up to the Washington DC Temple. This picture is of the Las Vegas Temple where we were married and the sky was just as blue in 2003 as it is in this picture.
We believe that we will be married for time and all eternity and I am so happy to have a wonderful husband who is faithful to our convenants. Mark and I were able to participate in an ordinance that reminded us of all the special blessings we will receive if we are true and faithful to all that we have been taught and given. I am so grateful for the knowledge and testimony I have of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am also very grateful for our family for Max and Justin who enrich our lives each and every day. How thankful I am to have found these wonderful men to share my life with.

Pictures Galore!

Temple Visitors Center Christmas Tree's

Winchester Stake's Christmas Tree

The visitors center has a room full of beautiful pictures depicting Christ's life. Here are a few that caught my attention.


Again, to me I felt like I was there with Him.

Can't you just imagine sitting on beach in this scene?

Max in front of the Christus.

Tonight was the first public night at the Visitors Center for the Festival of Lights. It was snowing there and it just made it that more fun. Mark was helping to direct traffic for the evening while Max and I viewed the lights and festivities.

There is a nativity scene with a live Mary & Joseph. Max of course wanted to climb up on the camel but he settled for getting his picture taken next to it!

Brother & Sister Bryant from our ward (also our Home Teacher) played Mary & Joseph on the first shift tonight at the temple.

Beautiful Temple and Lights.

This fall I have participated in several home craft shows or craft shows at elementary schools. I decided to make plates to sell this year. These are a few of my favorites. They sold great today when I had a dozen peanut butter truffles sitting on top.

A friend gave me a delicious recipe for peanut butter truffles. I think they will become a tradition for the holidays at our house! Yummm. In fact, one lady is paying me to make 2 dozen of them for her this coming week.

Our house is officially on the market. Here are some pictures of our home since we have painted. If anyone wants a little investment in Winchester, VA ... just let me know. We have a deal going on the house .... AND I'll even include a dozen or two truffles with an offer!!

Our living room. We have decided to keep some of our pictures and statues of Christ up in our home even though it is on the market. At night I light up the greenery on top of the piano and the Christus statue looks amazing. Max loves to see his Jesus statue.

Our little library room.

Max in front of our sometimes decorated / sometimes not decorated tree. Today we only had one ornament casualty. I think I've lost count for the season. Bless his little heart!

We are fasting and praying for a new job here in Winchester although we will go wherever the job will come to us. And, I know many of you are also keeping us in your prayers which we are very grateful for. It is amazing how many things you can find to be grateful for during this time of year despite the challenges that hang over us. I am grateful for our family, friends, healthy kids and husband, the heat, the snow, indoor plumbing, the gospel, our testimonies, the power of faith and of course our freedoms. We hope you and your families will find the same blessings in your lives as well.