I love my sister.

Slideshow

To see the slideshow from Zack's farewell, click here. Watch it, love it, be amazed at my skills.

Bishops

Today I am especially grateful for Bishops. I had my testimony that they are men called of God strengthened today.
About two weeks ago I had a lady in my ward call me and ask if I could make a slideshow for her in-law's big 50th wedding anniversary bash at the end of the month. Of course I said yes (I never say no) because Zachary was about to leave on his mission and I figured it would be something to keep me busy and distracted. She told me that she wanted to pay me (bonus!) so I was excited to have a little extra money for my birthday or to put away for Christmas or whatever. Well a few days after that, I found out that at the end of the month, I would have to start paying on my student loans (BOOOO), and hadn't planned for it, so I was going to be short just for this first month... but wait! I had said yes to this paying slideshow job! Perfect! Turns out, the slideshow was going to be $50 shy of what I needed for my student loans, which is exactly what I had to put toward them! So perfect.
So I put the slideshow together, and called the clients to come over before I started burning the 25 copies of the DVD that they were ordering, and they loved it. As they were leaving, they told me that they were really glad Bishop had mentioned my name when they had been talking about putting together a slideshow. *Insert shock face here* Bishop? Yeah, didn't we mention that before? Bishop is the one who gave us your name to call.
I don't know why on earth Bishop would have given them my name. It was definitely the promptings of the Spirit. There is no other way that of all the tech saavy people, photographers, and videographers in our ward and the ward that we split with a few years back he would have given them my name. No way. The only really decent slideshow I had ever done was the one for Zack's farewell.
I know that Bishops are men called of God to lead and guide and care for the well being of their congregations. It was really nice to experience that first hand, especially with everything that's been going on in my life lately. I love this Gospel. I love my Bishop. I'm so glad he listened to the promptings of the Spirit.

Almost...

It's almost my birthday. Just two more weeks. Feel free to shower me with gifts :) To make it easy on you, I've included links to some of my wish lists.

Nordstrom's
Amazon.com

Something Worth Leaving Behind

Sending Zachary off on a mission has left me feeling very reflective lately. He reported to the MTC on September 1, which also would have been my Grandmother's birthday. The more I thought about that coincidence in the weeks leading up to Zachary's departure, the more I realized that it was probably not a coincidence at all. I truly believe that particular day was selected as a reminder that she is watching out for him, and for all of us that she left behind. It was her little way of being a part of that day and saying, "I love you and I'm proud of you Zachary." As I think about that, I can see an image of her, surrounded by crowds of people... people whose lives will be affected directly, or indirectly, because of Zachary's mission; Children of the people he baptizes, and their children after them, friends of converts who are converted too, people on the street who see him and are curious about this gringo wearing a white shirt and tie, new generations of missionaries created because of the things he teaches... That image fills me with so much joy I can't even begin to describe it. That is truly something worth leaving behind.

Happy Hubby's Day!

Yesterday was my wonderful Hubby's birthday. I love him so much and wanted to do something special just for him, so I made his number one favorite meal... French Toast! Good thing I have a super easy going man who loves the simple things in life.Yuuuummmmm!!! French toast on Hawaiian bread with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Thick center cut bacon, and pork sausage links.This is Nick's plate after he finished. I think he liked it...Dessert :) I'm not a huge fan of cake, so I didn't want to make one. LOL. I decided to make yummy chocolate covered strawberries instead.

We both had to work all day, and be up early the next day, so we didn't do much other than eat dinner and then cuddle up under a big blanket (it was cold!!) and watch some of the tv shows we have recorded, which is honestly Nick's idea of a perfect night anyway. Nick has been BUGGING me for some new t-shirts, so I got him a ton of new shirts and a few pairs of shorts, and he was in heaven. Like I said... simple things. It's a good thing one of us is simple! Hahaha. Because we all know that I am far from simple.

I love my Nicholas so much. He is such an amazing husband. So sweet and thoughtful and patient with me. Anybody who puts up with me HAS to be an amazing person. He always puts me first, and it's the sweetest thing. Even on his day, he didn't want me to cook anything complicated because he felt bad asking me to be in the kitchen for a long time. I'm so glad that the Lord put him in my life, and prompted me to give the "creepy red-headed kid who stared at me all the time" a chance.

Elder Kitterman

Zachary reported to the MTC on Wednesday. Being able to be at his setting apart and dropping him off at the airport was an incredible experience. The Spirit that I felt surrounding our family was indescribable, and continues to linger even after he has gone. I miss him everyday, but I know that he is doing the Lord's work. Two years will fly by, and before I know it, I'll be posting pictures from his homecoming. So far I've managed to keep the crying to a minimum, with very little crying in public places. He is going to be such an amazing missionary and has always been such a great example, not just to his friends, but to his older sisters as well, and I know he will be an even better example to his (future) niece(s) and/or nephew(s) when he returns. I love this kid!