Passing of our Prophet...And Calling of the Next

President Thomas S. Monson

Our Beloved President Hinckley

My Favorite Picture of Pres. Hinckley-

I know this is a little late, but I'm going to do it anyway. As I have reflected on my life and the moments that have impacted them the most, a lot of those moments of impact had to do with the words of the Prophet Gordon B. HInckley. The decisions I made in high school, the decision to go on a mission, who to marry and especially the decision to become a mother were all influenced by his counsel and words. But, even before that, President Hinckley, much to his unawareness, was laying a great foundation of strength for me personally. I remember as a 10 year old in Budapest Hungary gathering with the saints there to hear his words. At that time he wasn't yet the prophet, but in the first presidency. I remember feeling the spirit very strongly there and it was then that I decided I wanted to serve a mission and that I would someday get married in the Temple. After his address we were able to meet him and SIster HInckley. It was an amazing experience for me as a 10 year old. I remember him addressing me by name and thinking "Wow! He knows me?"! Much to my unawareness my mom had probably clued him in to our names. Even so, it was an experience that I will never forget.

One of the things I loved about president Hinckley was his reverence for women. He loved the sisters of the church. I think a lot of that had to do with the love he had for his dear wife. I'm so glad that his counsel to us as women has always been to get as much of a education as we can. This counsel impacted my decision to go to school and get my Bachelors degree and in future my masters. But, even more then the counsel to get an education, the responsibility and honor we have to be mother's. The first presidency has said that "motherhood is the highest and holiest of callings". I Believe 100%. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a Mom. I love it and most of the time wouldn't want to be anywhere else, but home with my precious Gabe. I'm grateful for Prophets and especially President HInckley. His words and influence will effect generations to come. I know he was inspired of God and was called to be prophet for our generation because of his insight and love. He will be greatly missed by all. But, what a sweet reunion it must have been for him, not only with his dear wife, but all the prophet who came before him and most importantly(as Garrett reminded me) with God the Father and His son Jesus Christ.

Gabe and Lucas: Best Cousins

Last week Gabe had a sleepover with his cousin Lucas. They had so much fun. Lucas is a good little helper and protector. He always cleans up and engages Gabe to do the same. He is also always very concerned about Gabe getting hurt and protects him from potential danger. We are sure going to miss him when they move. We love you Lucas!!

Watching a show on the mini couch!

Bath Time Fun!

The Boys Playing Baseball!

Hats, Balls, Lounging on his mini couch and hanging out with Dada...These are a few of Gabe's favorite things!

Gabe loves his dad so much and will imitate anything he does or wears. This is just a glimpse of some of the cute things we find him doing and thinking up on his own. I love the kid and the big personality that accompanied him into this world.

Our Christmas Slide Show!

A Southern Christmas!

This Christmas we had the chance to use our sky miles to go to visit my Dad and Susana. We had such a great time. I think it was the best Christmas ever. We got to stay in my Dad's recently purchased old home (built in 1935). It is the coolest house. He and Susana did a lot of work on it before we got there to make it livable. For those of you who don't know my Dad he loves fixer uppers. This one is by far my favorite. It is on 4 acres, has a marsh, a pond, an island, 2 huge live Oaks and is 2 min. walking distance from a public dock. Our first day there we got to go out on his friend's house boat. It was so much fun. Gabe, Keira and Lily loved it. We rode on the house boat to palmetto bluff, where we enjoyed a wonderful lunch, got to see the wicker castle, and the beautiful old southern homes. We spent part of Christmas Eve on Hunting Island. It was such a beautiful night. Although, we got to watched the sunset over the water, I missed the peaceful snowfall back home.
It was fun to visit and spend time with my Dad, Melissa, Sean and the girls and also get to know Susana. I realized how much I love my family and miss having part of them so far away. I am grateful for this Christmas season when we get to reflect on and express gratitude for the things we love. I love you all and I am thankful for all you have done for me throughout the years. Thanks! The slide show above shows some of the pictures we took. Enjoy! (look at Melissa's blog for more details and photos. I suck at writing).