My Parents' New Calling

Yesterday, we found out that my mother has been called as a Temple Worker and my father has been called as a Temple Sealer for the Palmyra, New York Temple! Our whole family is so excited about this; I can't imagine a more perfect calling for my parents. I can tell my dad is very humbled by the experience, but we all know he will do such an amazing job magnifying this calling. He has so much energy and such a love for the gospel, as does my mom. All the brides and grooms will be blessed to have him perform their sealings. I didn't know this until now, but when a person is called as a Temple Sealer, it is a calling that lasts for life AND eternity. You also have to be at least 55 years old, have never been divorced, and your wife must be a worthy temple recommend holder. To have been sealed by him when we got married a year and a half ago would have been so cool, my nieces and nephews are so lucky because they will have the opportunity to be sealed by their Grandfather! We're so proud of their wonderful lives of service and we hope we can follow their examples.

Christmas in Portland

Tyson and I visited my brother Tim's family in Portland, Oregon for Christmas. It was SO FUN and provided a much needed break from our hectic work/school schedules. My parents flew in from New York to be there as well. There is nothing greater to be around during the holidays than family.

Danny and Tyson showed off their exceptional piano skills for everyone . . . by playing the one song they knew over and over and over and over . . . . yes, very inspirational.

Mom, Jill and I made the Christmas dinner- Jill and Mom did most of the work; my biggest contribution were the rolls I'm holding up . . . some of which were rather small since I had to cut off the parts that got burned!!! We could all use a little less carbs anyway, right?




Derek was ordained a Priest while we were there. It was neat that Tyson and my Dad could be there for it. Derek has gotten quite good at basketball. We got to watch two of his games while we were there.


Tim surprised Tyson and I with some tickets to the Blazers game. Neither of us had ever been on the club level before. We definitely took advantage of the free buffet that comes with these seats. It was a fun game to watch-- plus the Blazers won. In the picture of just me, we were trying to get a shot of all the food behind us, but apparently my camera flash was dying that night . . .