Lots of Firsts!

I am SO excited! These aren't the best pictures but I LOVE it!

First is OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
after we put it up we put up OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!
They are so fun!
Last night I found out that Mike had never made a ginger bread house! I couldn't believe it! So we made one...from a kit, but we still made one!

And lastly...SNOW!!!!! OUR FIRST SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have never seen snow in Vegas! The couple times it has snowed here it has been too early in the morning for me to see! I almost died seeing all of the snow today! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :o)

A Stand

Article found on lds.org concerning Prop 8 - I thought it's be interesting for you all to see! :o)

First Presidency Urges Respect, Civility in Public Discourse
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SALT LAKE CITY 14 November 2008 Five months ago, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a letter to members of the Church in California, encouraging them to join the millions of other Californians from many religious denominations, ethnic groups and political persuasions in a broad coalition to defend marriage as it has been defined for millennia.
During the election campaign, both sides of the argument on Proposition 8 had ample opportunities to express their viewpoint. The result was conclusively in favor of traditional marriage. More than 40 states in the United States have now voted to protect traditional marriage, either directly or through their elected representatives.
Today the First Presidency issued this statement about the democratic process:
Since the people of California voted to reaffirm the sanctity of traditional marriage between a man and a woman on November 4, 2008, places of worship have been targeted by opponents of Proposition 8 with demonstrations and, in some cases, vandalism. People of faith have been intimidated for simply exercising their democratic rights. These are not actions that are worthy of the democratic ideals of our nation. The end of a free and fair election should not be the beginning of a hostile response in America.
The Church is keenly aware of the differences of opinion on this difficult and sensitive matter. The reasons for this principled stand in defense of marriage have already been articulated elsewhere. However, some of what we have seen since Californians voted to pass Proposition 8 has been deeply disappointing.
Attacks on churches and intimidation of people of faith have no place in civil discourse over controversial issues. People of faith have a democratic right to express their views in the public square without fear of reprisal. Efforts to force citizens out of public discussion should be deplored by people of goodwill everywhere.
We call upon those who have honest disagreements on this issue to urge restraint upon the extreme actions of a few that are further polarizing our communities and urge them to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility towards each other.

Here We Go Again...

So I thought I'd put a few new pics on here and give a quick update. Mike and I went to Disneyland again this past weekend with my parents and younger brothers! It was fun!

We stopped in Baker on the way at this fun place called Alien Fresh Jerky. It was kinda cool.

On the way home our truck was making some noises and some how we made it all the way into town right next to a gas station only a couple miles from home and then it decided to blow up! I can't complain because everything worked out so well, it was just an inconvenience.

We had it towed to a new shop and it was done by the next evening! It was just a different experience. And I thank my Heavenly Father for watching out for us and letting it be so convenient! :o)

Ronnie and Tim on Space Mountain

Mom and Dad getting off Grizzly Rapids

Mom, Dad, Mike and I on Tower of Terror

Taxi full of aliens in front of Alien Fresh Jerky

All the boys outside our broken truck

It's Been a Long Long Time!

So, it has been a real long time since I've posted anything. I'm writing now because I'm waiting for Michael to come home! This weekend is General Conference for our church! It's one of two weekends a year when the prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and his counselors and the apostles as well as others meet in Salt Lake City, UT and speak to the congregation of the church, as well as the whole world! We were planning on going to UT to watch it live but at the last minute I got sick and we ended up not going! It is such a wonderful experience to get to go see it, hopefully we can go another time!

(Michael is at a General Conference meeting for the priesthood holders in the church!)

(Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints- SLC, UT)

Two weeks ago Mike and I went to a new sushi place just for fun, and we LOVED it! It's called Blue Fin and it is awesome! Good prices, GREAT food, and a fabulous staff. The waitress is the cutest little pregnant Asian lady! I highly recommend it! :o)

The Mission!

In that last post I mentioned that my husband served a mission for our church just before we were married. I thought it would be nice to talk a little more about it and what a wonderful thing it was!

In August of 2005 Mike left Henderson to venture to the distant land known as Provo, UT. While there for two months Mike studied every day with many many other guys and girls to learn as much as they could about the Filipino culture, languages, and read and study more about the Gospel.

In October Michael left for the Philippines where he would serve the rest of his mission (22 more months). While there he experienced things that most of us couldn't imagine. He saw things, did things, and ate things that would make most of us remember why we love America so much! :o)
(Mike eating a boiled duck fetus)

He fell in love with it there! The beautiful country, the beautiful culture, and the beautiful people!

Now, lots of people don't know why these 19year old boys and 21 year old girls go out and submit themselves to this kind of stuff - because, trust me, it is no 2 year or 1 1/2 year vacation!

The real reason is the best part of all. Michael, as well as thousands of others go out to serve these missions everyday because they know and understand that when they do so, they take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ and covenant (promise with God) to do those things that Jesus himself would do. Michael spent his days working. He walked all over his assigned areas not only preaching and testifying of Savior Jesus Christ, but also working as a servant to those people who felt themselves like nothing more than that.

(Michael with a family)

He helped them, befriended them, gave comfort to them, and blessed. These missionaries help bring the Gospel to those who may not otherwise get to know it, and those who may not fully understand it. What a wonderful thing!

(Mike was able to baptize this girl)

I am so happy that I have a husband who knows who he is and who as grow so much stronger because of things he has done for other people.

HELLO!

So, we're a little slow! I've decided that mike and I should get a blog because just about everyone we know has one now! I am excited to make one - we'll see how often I can keep it updated!

Mike and I have been married 5 1/2 months now and we sure like it! There are so many different struggles and adventures that need to be worked through and I'm sure there will be plenty more, but I am sure glad I can have my best friend to go through them with!

We began dating almost four years ago. We dated for one year and then Mike left to serve a mission for our church in the Philippines! He loved it so much, I was scared that he would come home with some Filipino princess! Luckly he didn't and we were married shortly after he returned!