Christmas memories.

Christmas...was...magical.

After last year I was so happy to spend the holidays with those I love. Although, last year while I was in Formosa, Argentina I really realized that the holidays are about so much more than material things. On Thanksgiving (although Argentines don't celebrate, I still remembered), we had transfers and I was separated from Hermana Recinos. It was a tragic day in my mission. My favorite companion was going to the other end of the mission to Obera, Misiones. SAD! I am not one for crying, but that day the tears were in full force. She was my seventh companion in the mission and for once after one transfer I was ready to stay with a companion. But it was not to be. Off she went and I stayed behind to hold down the fort....

About a month later, it was Christmas morning. I got up as usual at 6:30 am. My companion was still asleep and I went out to study my scriptures. After, I decided to open the gifts my family had sent me via package mail. As I sat and opened my presents with no one around, I was truly reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of the Savior was very apparent in my mind. I missed being with my family at that moment. I couldn't wait for 6:00 pm to come so I could hear their voices. I did get to spend the day with a family that looked after us like their own. We ate a huge asado and sang Christmas hymns. It was about 98 degrees outside, definitely not what I am used to associating with Christmas. Once 6:00 pm finally came I was overcome with emotion to hear my Grandma Grace's voice at the other end. I knew that Grandpa Lee was not there with her. They were all so close, yet so far away...but so comforting to hear their voices and know that I would see them soon.

My Christmas in Argentina was not what I would call memorable in the sense of traditions. However, it was nice to see Christmas not so commercialized as it has become here in the States. I could really focus on the Savior and His mission and why He came to earth. I am so grateful for the chance to celebrate His birth each and every year and be reminded of the "reason for the season." I hope you all had a wonderful, merry Christmas and may the new year bring all that you hope and desire!

Movies...in 10 minute increments

So, yesterday I was home from work a tad early because of our Holiday luncheon. So, I get home and jump on the laptop to finish my final paper. I then go to google to look up a book, Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, and found the movie trailer on You Tube. So I watched the trailer and was intrigued. After I watched the trailer, I saw links for the movie...the only catch, they were in ten minute increments.

So I started the first installment and then I was hooked. I watched the entire thing. And I must say that it was very good. It was an indy film that appeared at Sundance I think a couple of years ago. I am hoping to read the book soon. So, if you think that movies aren't good unless they are complete, you are mistaken. :)

Gustav the Norwegian Elkhound (ottoman)

So, our dear Gus has passed away. He was such a good dog. We got him when I was in 7th grade I think...do the math...he was old. He was sick for the last little while, so I am glad he doesn't have to be in pain anymore. I know that he will miss Erin the most, as she was his favorite.

SANTA!!! I KNOW HIM!

The Cowles Family gathered together to have the annual Cowles Family Christmas Party. Good times were had by all. We always go bowling at Weber State and then head to a church to eat, play the White Elephant exchange while listening to Grandma or Margaret read the Little Star story. There weren't too many heinous white elephants this year. However, cousin Josh did receive a giant pair of underwear. Gross! I received BB cds....yes you read that right, Backstreet's Back All Right!! I love eighth-grade girl music!

After, we started to sing Christmas carols...why I have no idea. Let's just say that our family is not the most musically inclined. I think I could hear the dogs outside whining as our vocals were hurting their ears. As we continue the caroling, we hear jingle bells and footsteps and then...

SANTA!!! He always visits the Cowles just a tad early in the season to give the kids a small token and encouragement to be good until the 25th. Needless to say the kids loved it and went crazy. Even Erin, Darby and I got a little somethin'-somethin' from Mr. Claus.

Aahh...you're my best friend!

So, I got a surprise visit from (Hermana Ashley) Recinos, my favorite mission companion. She missed her flight from Missoula, Montana and was rerouted to Spokane, Washington and had a two-hour layover in Salt Lake City.

Naturally I took a half-day and met her at the airport and we took off to Temple Square. We met up with Ewee and had a grand ol' time at lunch. From there we went to see all the sights of Temple Square and just had a great time spent together.

We were together as companions for six weeks in Formosa, Argentina. She has been home for about two months and I was in Arizona when she got home. I was so glad to see her safe and sound on US soil. One of our favorite things to say in Argentina was: "this would never happen in the United States!" Argentina had some really backward things, but I learned to love that country and the warm people there.

Our six weeks together was the happiest time of my mission and I am so glad I was able to make such a fantastic friend...even though I had to travel over 5,000 miles to make that friendship.

So, come March and I am headed to sunny Arizona to see my friend and have a good time watching some spring training baseball. It was so fun to see her and I'm so glad to have a great friend in my life!

BALLIN'! MONEY!!

Okay, so after a long hiatus, I have hit the hard wood once again! Darby and some kids from the ward play basketball about every week. I am one of the "cool kids" that gets invited each week, however I am very non-commital and always say "maybe attending." After an extended period of doing nothing, I decided I would take my mad b-ball skills to the court and I brought my "A" game!


Of course, I am not MONEY!!! from behind the arc (in b-ball lingo, that's the three-point line) like Darbara. But I did hit a few of my shots. I was surprised as I have not really played for a long time. Once Brynley and I got on the same page, we made a pretty sweet break away play ending in an assist for Bryn and a lay-up for me! BOOYEAH!



It was great to get out and play. I need to hone my skills much more if I am ever going to have a shot at the 46th Ward girls team. Word gets back from those who know that the 46th ward comes to play!