Ryan & Sarah

When someone dies, there is never enough to say; yet, when it comes down to putting feelings into words of remembrance, it seems fitting to be brief.

President Hinckley will be remembered by millions as a great man, an inspiration, a caring individual. I enjoyed reading an article in the New York Times. I think it summed up a life well lived.

The most appropriate thing I can think to say–and it’s been said many times before–that describes my feelings is, “Truly, he was a prophet of God.”

Lately, with this move we are just completing (and by that, I mean we haven’t finished unpacking, but I know where the food store and library are), I’ve had a little bit of time to ponder on what is really important to me. We have a lot of “junk” that I like to call our “treasures”. But these things are still in boxes, for the most part. I love books, I have to have our clothes (rules of the country we live in — no shirt, no shoes, no service), and we like to eat on plates, so I need all these things. But I can also survive without them.

Throughout my days unpacking, however, I have realized what I can’t live without. My family. Ryan is a strength I never knew I needed. He helps me to get through the hard days and to enjoy the good days. Even last week, when I almost burned down our house, he managed to make me laugh. He has a sweet testimony and helps me to see the sun shining even on the cloudy days. Patrick loves and gives love to you, no matter what else is going on. Without these 2 people, why am I here? I don’t mean Kansas… I mean, what is the purpose of life without family?

Last Thursday, one of my high school friends came over (she happened to already live in the city… who knew?! :) ). She meant so much to me in high school, and she’s still my friend. But I’ve lived without her. (Lauren… I love you). If I had to go a year without seeing Ryan, I would fall to pieces. If there comes a day when we are separated by death, I know what I will want to do. I will want to crawl up next to Ryan and die with him. If I cannot, I know I will find the faith to go on without him until I see him in the eternities, but it will be the hardest thing I’m asked to do.

How grateful I am for my family, for eternity, and for the blessings of the temple. God loves us so much, and it’s obvious from His letting us keep our families. How grateful I am for my parents and my siblings and for Ryan’s parents and siblings. We are so lucky.

Well… It’s been a while since we’ve updated this site, but we have reason! Ryan graduated… we moved… we had Christmas…! Patrick enjoyed his first Christmas, although I’m not sure he quite understood why we kept giving him things and insisting he try to tear them open. In the end, he went to sleep and we opened most of his presents for him. :) He does like the dog Santa gave him. It was fun to play Mary and Joseph in a pageant. In the end, Patrick didn’t understand why we would make him sit still, and there was no way he’d go in a cradle with straw, but we had fun anyway.

Patrick is growing up. He’s learning about rolling, even if he hasn’t gone over yet. His hair is darkening (still hoping for red!). He calls Ryan “aggy”… even if Ryan just thinks he’s talking, and not being specific. He enjoyed having his Uncle Kevin here for a couple of days. It’s sure fun to watch him grow.

Moving… we don’t like moving. So, I think we’ll be in this apartment for a LONG time, just so we don’t have to move! For those of you wondering, “Why Kansas?” I say… “WHY NOT?!” :) And here are some other reasons: Smallville takes place here. Dennis the Menace is from here. The Wizard of OZ. They might not have mountains, but it’s not all flat. The people are REALLY nice…. but now I’m getting serious. We are enjoying our time, and we’re getting to know the city a bit. Kinda fun.

Here’s a short clip from this Halloween that I put together. This is my first editing project with a new program I’m trying, but I think you’ll enjoy it. It has many good qualities, including a very hyper narrator :) The only unfortunate aspect of the video is that this same hyper yet extremely beautiful and attractive narrator is never seen. Next time, I’m being the cameraman!