Just a few things

I'm (obviously) not very good at posting very often, but I had some time this morning so I thought I would do a quick post about the notable things for this week. On Wednesday Mom, Jan and Emilee and the kids came and visited me up in Salt Lake. It was really fun to have them come up and meet my friends in my office, and as Emilee said on her blog, after Emma had seen the pictures on the wall and all the guys in suits, she said, "There's lots of prophets here." I thought that was darling. After they came to my office, we went to eat in the cafeteria, and then went outside. It was really cold outside, so we only went out for a few minutes, but it was fun to show Emma the temple. Maf was just happy as long as he could chew on my badge (especially after I took his spoon away after lunch--he hates it if he's not holding something in his hand). Here are a few pictures:

Then that night we took dinner to Seth and Karla since Karla just had surgery (I hope you're feeling better, Karla!). It was nice to talk to them and spend time with the kids. After dinner Jan and I read stories with the kids (which I didn't get a picture of) and Ethan sang a Christmas song for us while Seth played (which I did get a picture of). Ethan is a good little singer, and getting so big! I can't believe he will be baptized in 5 months.

On Thursday night I had to stay later at work than normal, so didn't get on the bus until almost 6:00. It was getting dark and was really cold, but the Salt Lake Temple looked so beautiful as the sun went down and the lights came on. I didn't have my camera, but got a picture with my cell phone:

Other than that, life is going along normally. I loved Chelle's post about optimism, and found this quote today that I thought went along well with it, so I'll end with this:

“You will experience greater joy in life as you eradicate adult-onset pessimism and substitute childlike optimism. Optimism is a virtue that allows us to see God's loving hand in the details of our life. . . .I testify of Heavenly Father, who in great and wonderful love reaches out to each of His children. I bear witness of Jesus Christ, who is "mighty to save" us from our inadequacies, imperfections, and sins. I bear testimony of the Holy Ghost, who will accompany the imperfect yet penitent soul. To you faithful and worthy Saints who struggle with latter-day snares of the devil, "may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son.’” (Elder Anthony D. Perkins, October 2006)