Big Ben

Dear Colin,

Did you know the clock tower in London is not called Big Ben? That's the name of the bell.




The name of the tower is Madeline. At least that's what I heard the guide say...

I think I will practice my English accent.

Love.

Been Busy

Dear Colin,

As soon as I was finished presenting my paper, I was on a plane. And now I'm in England!

However, I only spent one day there before running off to Scotland with Kristen.

4 days. Over 700 photos.

We spent a day in Edinburgh- bus tour of the city, Mary Queen of Scots exhibit, walking tour of the castle, and a ghost tour.







Then took a two day tour up to Iverness, through the Scottish highlands, and seeing Culloden battlefield- where Bonnie Prince Charlie finally lost his battle to reclaim the Scottish throne.




Saw Loch Ness, and lots of highland scenery. Ate haggis.




And rode the Jacobite steam train. Also known as the Hogwarts Express.




It's ok to be jealous. Because it was awesome.




Also saw Tom Riddle's grave. The real one. With the unfortunate glory of being the inspiration for our generation's greatest fictional villain. (Which you may debate...)




And then a train ride to Stirling where we saw the castle there.




And the trip is just beginning.

Love you.

Becoming an Adult

Dear Colin,
Up to now I have always felt that I was playing house. Pretending that I was an adult when I felt that I was actually still four years old with a play kitchen. Today, I officially became an adult.
It didn't happen when I graduated high school. It didn't come with a first kiss. It didn't come with college. It didn't come with getting married. It didn't come with moving away from family. It didn't come with a husband's deployment.
It came with going alone to the American Folklore Society conference in Rhode Island. It came when I presented a paper to other folklorists. The few people there were engaged and asked questions and made me feel like maybe I am becoming an expert in the field.
So it's official. I am an adult.




Love you. :)

Cool

Dear Colin, 

Today is 60 days left of deployment.  60 days until you come home.

That's cool.

Love

Conference

Dear Colin, 

Don't you love General Conference weekend?  I do.  It made me just think of all the things I am grateful for, like:

- You
- Our nearly perfect marriage
- This chance to spend so much time with family
- The easy access we have to scriptures and the words of living prophets
- Books to read and movies to watch
- Photos to take and paintings to make

I think most of all I learned that I am grateful for the trials of the last couple of years.  I have learned to slow down.  To focus on the things that matter most.  No, I was not able to get a job, to clean the house, to work on crafty projects, to cook dinners, to run around DC with you. I wasn't able to exercise at all, I slept anywhere from 11-13 hours at night, and needed an hour or more nap in the middle of the day usually. I was only able to really do one thing a day.  But I was able to work on a Masters degree and spend time with you, even if it was doing nothing.

I am grateful for people who understand that sleep can be a trial. That low thyroid can cause major issues.  That less severe physical trials are still hard.

I'm also grateful that I have never felt like a second rate citizen in the kingdom of God because I am a woman.  I have a testimony of the Gospel even though there are things that I don't fully understand yet.

I am grateful that you understand me better than I do sometimes.  And I'm grateful you love me, despite my flaws and trials.  

Love you.

Chocolate

Dear Colin,

Remember how chocolate milk is the best recovery drink?




It makes working out worth it. :)

Love.