"Vroom Vroom, California!"

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one." -Jane Howard

We took a final family fieldtrip,

a last one before we all have to grow up.

Once I step on that plane to Japan,

I'll begin my career.

And once I fly back home to Utah,

our little clan of six will become seven.

Cousin Joey and I drew pictures together.

{We both prefer doodling animals over people. It's just easier.}

He was my chummy every afternoon and evening,

whether we were curled up playing Pokemon

or eating rabbit legs {which broke my heart clean in two},

he stayed by my side.

I'm grateful for the grins,

and the memories made in California,

the ones I'll take with me on the plane.

And even though family crucibles may wedge our band of six apart,

family holidays pull us back together, if only for a little while.

"FHE Thanksgiving"

Yestereve, my singles' ward threw a huge dinner party.

We watched the newest message from our Church,

and I wore the smile it gave me all night long.

It was amazing to think about how blessed I am in this ward.

They welcomed me with open arms not just the first week I came,

but every week after as well.

The Bishopric wears their hearts on their sleeves...

so it's always incredible to be in the same room with them.

In fact, while speaking with the Bishop last Sunday,

I realized that the comfort I've felt in this strong, fellowshipped ward

will most likely be absent in Japan.

I'll need to be a strong Christian.

And with the support I've received from friends in this ward,

I think I can do it. ;)

"New Moon x 3"

{7pm Thursday Premier with Lianna}

{7:30pm Friday New Moon Party with Mom & Pickle}

{Oh, I am so Team Switzerland...}

{Mainly because Bella + Edward = ♥ & Ashley + Wolfie = ♥♥♥}

{12:20pm Saturday Showing with Kristen}

I saw it thrice, once every day from Thursday to Saturday.

And oh, the wolfpack.

I felt like a schoolgirl, clapping my hands and grabbing for my galpals' arms.

{Which, I particularly detest that sensation, so they were bittersweet moments...

...with an emphasis on the sweet.}

The pictures are rather dim/blurry/silly, and I apologize.

But they're proof--I was there!

"Veni Veni"

"Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind." -Mary Ellen Chase

The carol, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", was originally written in Latin.

And... it's hard to sing. :)

I need to work on my lower notes,

so this is a good exercise for my soprano-happy vocal chords.

And I know it's a half-crime to sing Christmas songs before Thanksgiving for some folks,

but I, quite frankly, adore them all year long. ♥