Ward Christmas Party

December 9, 2011

I have been sick the past few days.  Fever and flu...ugh!  I ended up taking the Greyhound home from Utah.  I blame the people on the bus.  Anyway, I sang at our Ward Christmas Party a couple nights ago.  I probably would have stayed in bed instead if I didn't like singing so much!  I was exhausted and sang with poor technique. I hope you enjoy anyway.  :o)

"The Most Beautiful Story That's Ever Been Told"

 

"Baby in a Manger"

First Presidency Christmas Devotional and Taiwan Buddies

December 3, 2011

This last trip to Utah was also great because I got to see some of my Taiwan buddies.  :o)  The moment I arrived at Rachel's house, these four were there.  We chatted for a bit and called it a night.

Libby, Ariel, Me, Erin, Devin

December 4, 2011

Erin invited me over for enchiladas, sugar cookies and good times with Libby, Katy and Devin.  I had a lot of fun playing catch up.  

Erin and Libby

Libby had an extra ticket to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center.  I was so stinking excited!  As soon as we walked into the Conference Center, I started to tear up a bit.  Haha!  The Spirit was very strong there, the faith of thousands of united Saints.  :o)  The messages were good.  To view or listen to the Devotional, go here.  Following the Devotional, we walked around Temple Square, enjoying the lights and each other's company.  A wonderfully splendid time!

Katy, Devin, Libby, Erin and Me

On our way there

The Conference Center

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
I want to be in this choir someday!

December 6, 2011

On my last day in Utah, I got to go to lunch with my dear friend Whitney (also a Taiwan buddy).  I also enjoy her company and her insights.  

This most recently trip to Utah was pure joy.  I feel blessed to have been able to see some many of my friends and family.  I love them all!  

St. George Temple with Hannah

December 3, 2011

When I got up on Saturday morning, my dad made an excellent suggestion.  He said that maybe I could go back to Utah with Hannah and then come back to Nevada a few days later with a family friend.  I jumped on that idea!  What a great opportunity to spend more time with Hannah, and provide her with a travel buddy!  I got everything squared area with work and everything worked out so nicely!  :o)

This weekend, Hannah discovered my poor navigating skills.  Without fail, I told her wrong directions to get onto I-15 North, and we ended up circling the entire Las Valley, driving an hour out of our way.  *Meg hangs her head in shame.*  I was not pleased with myself to say the least, but Hannah took everything in stride.  What a great friend!  

On the way to Utah County, we stopped in St. George to go to the Temple!  It was both of our first times going to that temple.  The St. George Temple was the first operating temple, with construction starting in 1871.  The radiant white exterior of the temple was dazzling against the red sandstone butte landscape of St. George. So beautiful!

Yes, I put the camera on a bush to take this picture.  

Commenced: November 9, 1871
Dedicated: April 6, 1877

It is a goal of mine to visit as many Temples as possible before I die.  The LDS church now has 135 operating temple, 16 under construction, and 15 announced (construction will start in the future.)  I have been inside 11 of them.  I have been to more, but I only count ones I have been inside.  The following pictures came from here.

#1 St. Louis Missouri Temple

#2 Medford Oregon Temple

#3 Idaho Falls Idaho Temple

#4 Rexburg Idaho Temple

#5 Taipei Taiwan Temple

#6 Las Vegas Nevada Temple

#7 Provo Utah Temple

#8 Sacramento California Temple

#9 Mt. Timpanogos Utah Temple

#10 Jordan River Utah Temple

And #11 St. George Utah Temple

I had such a great time visiting with my dear friend Hannah.  She always has me laughing, and from the beginning has been a friend of the best kind.  I love her!  And I am so glad she came to visit me!