Journeyings in Utah

So we decided that we wanted to get out of Rexburg and go somewhere that was different. It was more of a journey to regain some of our sanity. We left Thursday afternoon after Spencer got of work. We talked all the way down there while viewing the beautiful mountain landscapes of Utah and Idaho. 

Since Grandma Judd was gone to a funeral, we had the house to ourselves for the first night. We through a huge party, inviting all the people we knew: Spencer and Me. Yeah it was awesome. We went to Chick-fil-a for some dinner and then settled down to watch a movie. Do you guys remember the old Disney movie, "Cool Runnings"? 

The DVD was a little scratched so it actually took us 3 days to get through the whole movie! Ha, every time it started to skip, we just turned it off and returned to it the next day and for some reason it would play better. Such a fun movie! 

Friday was a fun adventure! After getting some amazing breakfast ( I am now addicted to the Great Value pre-cooked sausage patties.) We headed down to Provo to visit one of Spencer's cousins and her baby Matix. We had a great visit with her! She is such an awesome woman! And we had fun playing with Matix. He is a very happy little 6 month old. Such a cutie! For some reason, we did not get a picture with Ashley! (because we all know babies are more important.... just kidding!) But, we promise she is awesome! 

We then drove by the Missionary Training Center and the Provo Temple! Since I served my mission in Uruguay and went to the Argentina MTC, I was surprised to see how big the Provo MTC was. Maybe some day we will make it there together, if we serve a Senior mission. The Temple was very beautiful. It was  super busy, especially with missionaries. I think one weekend, we should take a trip to Utah and temple hop to all the ones in Utah Valley. There are like 7 temples with in an hour of each other! Soon to be 9! How lucky are they!? 

We returned home to wait for Grandma Judd's arrival back home. We had a delicious dinner and then talked late into the night. We love talking to her! (We forgot to get a picture with her so here is one from the wedding, her with Spencer) 

Saturday, We had no idea what to do, so Grandma took us to the movies. Of course, I had to pick Madagascar 3! It was.....interesting to say the least. I have to admit my favorite part of the movie was seen in the commercials where Marty starts singing Circus Afro. Yeah, I know, I'm a child at heart. 

We went to visit Spencer's Aunt, Allison who has a crazy, very energetic dog named Luigi. We helped her snap beans before taking off for home. We talked to Grandma some more then ended up playing a game called, "Ticket to Ride!" We hope to get that game soon! It is a lot of fun! 

Sunday we attended Church with Grandma Judd. It was Fast Sunday. I got to help out with her lesson by talking about a quote from President Monson. 

In an address to Relief Society sisters, President Thomas S. Monson shared thoughts about how expressions of charity strengthen the ties of sisterhood in Relief Society:

“I consider charity—or ‘the pure love of Christ’—to be the opposite of criticism and judging. In speaking of charity, I do not at this moment have in mind the relief of the suffering through the giving of our substance. That, of course, is necessary and proper. Tonight, however, I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient.

“I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others.

“There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere.

“Needed is the charity which refuses to find satisfaction in hearing or in repeating the reports of misfortunes that come to others, unless by so doing, the unfortunate one may be benefited. …

“Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others.

“Charity, that pure love of Christ, is manifest when a group of young women from a singles ward travels hundreds of miles to attend the funeral services for the mother of one of their Relief Society sisters. Charity is shown when devoted visiting teachers return month after month, year after year to the same uninterested, somewhat critical sister. It is evident when an elderly widow is remembered and taken to ward functions and to Relief Society activities. It is felt when the sister sitting alone in Relief Society receives the invitation, ‘Come—sit by us.’

“In a hundred small ways, all of you wear the mantle of charity. Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out.

“Charity has been defined as ‘the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love,’ the ‘pure love of Christ … ; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with [her].’ “‘Charity never faileth.’ May this long-enduring Relief Society motto, this timeless truth, guide you in everything you do. May it permeate your very souls and find expression in all your thoughts and actions."

Sunday Night, Spencer's Aunts, Uncles, and cousins came over to celebrate a birthday! It was so much fun! We had a great time talking and eating awesome food! It was a great way to end a great weekend! We left Monday morning to come home. We both were sad to leave. We hope to go back very soon!