house sitting!

as of Thursday, we have been living in my professor's home. 
(i know, right! it is a unique, splendid opportunity.) 

my professor from Jerusalem (awesome!) asked us if we wanted to house sit for a month. They (6 kids+3 adults) piled in an RV and are journeying across the country for the next few weeks studying American and Church history. He has so graciously let us borrow his car and home so we could make this work. yes, we mow the lawn and gather the mail and newspapers but in reality, we are benefiting far more from this little deal. they thought it would be fun for us, and so far, it has!!!! definite upgrade! 

we decided to kick off the summer with a little BBQ! Saturday evening, we had some of our friends and loved ones over for an evening full of good food, hilarious games, and great company. (water-balloon volleyball was a riot!) it was enjoyable to catch up and bask in a perfect summer evening. 

seize the opportunities presented to you, great and small...they may lead to wonderful adventures!

General Conference Weekend

Three Golden Treasures of the Weekend:

**General Conference is a great opportunity for us to be refreshed, enlightened, and spiritually uplifted. 

I am so grateful for the joy and the knowledge I receive from the gospel of Jesus Christ. All are invited to listen and to learn from these messages. Click HERE to listen/read the messages!

Thanks to our dear friends, we were able to attend one of the sessions live. The power of the music, messages, and the massive physical gathering of people from all over the world, creates an experience unlike anything else. Wow. 

**The Spring. I love the flowers the blossom at this time of year. I just saw these as we were walking to the Conference Center. I'm in love the vibrant colors.

**Time spent w/ Family + Friends. Being home with family just tops it all off. This year, we were lucky enough to have the Saarelainens join us. (talk about a great family--> Alyse, we missed you!) 

One of a trillion darling Sam stories: 

After excitedly greeting everyone, Samo, the oldest, showed us his newly purchased shirt. He held it up to show everyone. Upon the realization that it looked nearly identical to Carson's shirt, there was an episode of much celebration and enthusiasm. Sam started clapping and yelled, "DUDE, WE ARE TWINERS!!!!" There was so much joy and laughter in the room. He then changed into the shirt and insisted on capturing the sweet moment. (what studs.)

What a difference it would make if we all found a little more joy in these small moments of life. How blessed we were to have had the chance to learn from him and his sweet family.

 We sure do love the Saarelainen Family. 

***

P.S. Hannie, this one is for you. 

Sam asked, "When is Hannah Jackson coming home?" Mom told him the date and we found this on his hand a few minutes later. Needless to say, we are starting the count down.

weekly treasures

In Jerusalem (oh how I miss you):

Hannie just ran her first half marathon through the streets of Jerusalem. 

WAY TO GO, HANNAH!!!!!

Here are a few other pictures she sent (I couldn't resist sharing, her pictures are way more exciting!) :

Tel Aviv

Herding Sheep (above) Jerusalem Center (below)! She will be home in one month!

Meanwhile at home:

*We have a new, beautiful baby cousin! Welcome to the world, Hazel! 

Congratulations Nelson Family!

Here she is with Grandpa and her new big sister!

(and on a more simple, random note):

We went Laser-Tagging with many of the Polish Missionaries!

We attended a David Lange Concert. (He came to introduce his music performed by BYU students.) They performed:  "The Little Match Girl Passion." Contemporary Music.

Made the best cookies we have ever made together. 

Carson grew up making this recipe with his mom. AMAZING RECIPE!  

Quotation from Chels: "You guys made these?! These taste like a mom made them!" (ha.)

Side Note: we recommend cutting the recipe in half or freezing half of the batch...it makes TONS of cookies.

Fort Night. 

we turned our entire living room into a giant fort and watched my first official "scary" movie. (confession: it was really that scary. I don't like scary movies ;) )

(good way to test all of our flashlights)

Homemade Strawberry Smoothies

We hosted a little Bachelor Party for the Finale (totally cheesy but hilariously fun)!

Thank you, Chels and Nick!

 "Regency Gathering"

 Elise organized a party to reunite the crew from Regency. After two years, the crew has quickly doubled in size with the presence of spouses and significant others. A great night filled with laughter and cherished friendships.

Spring Break for Carson!  

We are so unbelievably blessed to have a temple so close! 

*the beautiful, warm sunshine

*a friendly new ward

*Skyping with the Garretts

**There are so many things to be grateful for, these are just a few.

Soldier Hollow

Chay and Colton invited us to go tubing @ Soldier Hollow last night.  It was a riot.

We all grabbed onto each other's tubes and 'HAULED TRASH' down the hills. 

We could not stop screaming and laughing as we spun in every which way! 

And guess what? We didn't have to hike up to the top-->you just sit on your tube as it pulls you back up, like royalty.

It is such a family friendly environment. Fun for all ages. If you get a chance, GO!

We love you, Chay and Colton! 

Have fun in DC!