Texas Forever

After spending almost two weeks in Houston, TX, I have decided that I love it there.  I don't know if it was the people I spent my time with, the program that I am doing, or Houston itself.  Regardless, I loved everything about it!  I am SO grateful that I was able to stay with my cousin Jessica McKay and her family.  I loved getting knocks at my door, riddles left on my bed, playing lots of games, and spending time with the McKay family.  It was a blast! 

Here are a few highlights of my trip:

I was amazed at how many freeways there are, after a while I got used to it

I loved seeing this in person - there is a lot of patriotism & Texas pride in Houston

Jessica & I crafting

piano federation with Anne & Megan

playing the famous Curtis family duet "Sleigh Ride"

On Saturday, the McKay family took me on a tour of Houston.  We drove down to Galveston Island and spend the day at the Moody Gardens Aquarium and the coast of Texas.

Moody Gardens

the Aquarium

the Texas coast

Anne & I playing at the beach

the McKay family (missing Scott)

my cousin Jessica

saying good-bye - Megan, Anne, Naomi, & Riggs

I had such a wonderful time in Texas.  Thank you McKay family!

"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose...
Texas forever!"
- Friday Night Lights

1st day of training

As many of you know, I am doing an Autism Certification program in Texas for the next two weeks.  I arrived safely in Houston last night and was AMAZED at the city.  After living in Chicago, I thought I knew what to expect about coming to a new city, but I was completely wrong.  Houston is so different than any other city I have ever been to in the sense that there are cars EVERYWHERE!!!  I have never seen freeways and traffic like I have seen here (not even in California).

I have driven quite a bit in the past couple of days, and feel so much gratitude for the safety and protection that I have felt.  I truly feel watched over when I am alone out in the "real world."  I felt it many times when living in London, Chicago, and now as I am in this huge city of Houston, TX.  Over the past couple of days, I have felt particularly blessed and watched over.

the Connections Center - where I will be spending the next couple of weeks

Today was my first day of classes, and I absolutely loved every minute of it.  I loved studying and having discussions about Autism, meeting a lot of great people, and overall, I really enjoyed my day.  I can't wait for the remainder of my training!

elizabeth smart

I read Elizabeth Smart's memoir about her kidnapping over the weekend, and it made me admire her even more.  I am impressed with her strength and positivity as she talked about her experience while being abducted.

Throughout the book Elizabeth talks about experiences where she felt like she was "not alone."  Times when she could feel the presence of her Grandfather (who passed away the week before she was kidnapped) and the comfort of the spirit.  She discussed specific miracles that were brought to her during the nine months she was away.  One miracle happened when she was starved from food and water for six days.  All she could do is pray for rain.  Waking up to rain in the morning was a gift to her from God.  Reading about her experiences, has really made me think about my own life.  I am so grateful for the little things and small miracles that I see in my own life.  They are truly a gift from up above.

I also loved the advice her mother gave her the morning after she was found.  Lois Smart said, "You be happy, Elizabeth.  Just be happy.  If you go and feel sorry for yourself, or if you dwell on what has happened, if you hold on to your pain, that is allowing him to steal more of your life away.  So don't you do that!  Don't you let him!  There is no way that he deserves that.  Not one more second of your life.  You keep every second for yourself.  You keep them and be happy.  God will take care of the rest."

I think we can all apply this advice to our own lives.  We all go through different trials that feel like they "steal" our happiness and parts of our lives away.  I want to always make sure that I am choosing to be happy.  I like to think of the quote that says, "happiness is a choice."  If Elizabeth can come back from that awful experience that she went through and live a happy and fulfilled life, we should all be able too.

happy and content

Lately I have felt happy and content...

peaceful Saturday morning

Over the past couple years I have had the itch to move away.  I love Utah, and I love living close to both of our families, but I have had an itch for a new adventure.  When we moved to Chicago for a few months, I felt like I was in a dream.  I LOVED every minute that we lived there.  It was hard for me to come back.  I didn't feel like I was ready to move back yet.

Being in Utah during the fall makes me happy.  I love the cooler weather, and I especially love the colored leaves.  During this past week, I have seen so many pretty leaves, and it has made me grateful to be in Utah.  I love it here.  I love fall.  For right now, I am happy living in Utah.

I love this time of year.  I love November, and I love the entire month leading up to Thanksgiving.  I love how the month of November helps us all realize the things we are thankful for.  Today, I am thankful for the temple.  I had such a peaceful morning yesterday, and was grateful to be in the House of the Lord.

arizona

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to visit my sister and her family in Arizona for her birthday.  It felt refreshing to spend time with my sister, and I am grateful for her friendship.  I don't have many pictures, but here are a few from the weekend.

"Hey Nicole, let's take one of those pictures of us like this..."

yep, she has figured out what a "selfie" is!

Grace taking more selfies

we made my Mom's homemade oatmeal bread

yum!

sweet Claire - on the mary-go-round at the mall

after Grace's Primary Program - she was darling in it!

I love being an aunt!

While I was visiting, the flu bug was going around their family.  I am glad that I was able to be there to help, but it was sad seeing little Clairey so sick.  She wasn't feeling great in this last picture right before I left to go home.  I had a blast being at the Thomson's house, and I can't wait to see them all again soon!

XO