Fathers Day Thoughts

Fathers Day is always a bittersweet time for me.  I am so lucky to have an amazing father, an amazing grandfather, and one amazing grandfather in heaven (who I was lucky enough to get to know).  All my life I have been surrounded by these strong men.  All of these men taught me the meaning of hard work, loyalty, spirituality, and unconditional love.  I am so lucky! So this Fathers Day I have a lot to be thankful for – such blessings, I have come to realize, are not given to everyone – and I realize how extremely rare and precious my association with these great men is.  My life would be hugely different if they were not in my life.

But, my heart also hurts on Fathers Day.  My mind is racked with guilt and sadness because there is another man in my life – who because of me, cannot be a Father.  That is a hard burden to carry.  It isn't like I think of it every day, but on occasions like this my deepest regret is that I cant make Chris a Father (or my dad a Grandpa).  This title is one that I know, I KNOW, Chris would excel at.  I watch him interact with children and I think how lucky I am to have someone that kind and gentle in my life. 

Now, just like Mothers Day – I know you don't have to give birth to a child to be a good, positive influence in his/her life.  Chris is the perfect example of that.  He loves his nieces and nephews like a Father, teaches like a Father, and cares like a Father.  Although, he doesn't officially have the title “Father” he lives up to it in so many ways.

So this Fathers Day I want to say to Chris, I’m sorry for not being able to give you children.  But, your strength and example in developing father-like qualities drives me to develop my mother-like qualities.  And although you might not officially be a Father – you love like one, and that is just as good, or maybe even better than just having the title.

What’s Been Going On?!?!

That is what you are probably wondering about me right?  What’s been going on?  Well, I thought, not a lot – until I tired to figure out what to write about and it turns out there is a bit more… so here goes… in list form.
*  I got a new calling at church… Primary President – yes, I know this childless woman is now Primary President.  Luckily there are only 9 Primary age children in the branch so I am starting off easy… although, after this first month I can said with quiet confidence that it might be easier to teach 50 rather than the 2 – 4 that usually attend.  It is taking some getting used to, but I do like it and even if I hated it, it will only be for about 8 months.  It is FORCING me to get organized, and it is worth it just for that.
*  The time is ticking down for my return to America.  We are stuck on our application from lack of money but, the reality is, I will be home in a little over 8 months.  Things have been going so well with it and we are just trying to save and earn.  I am sure it is going to go fast… and I keep saying to myself, as I go about life, “this is the last time I’ll do this in England…”
*  My weight loss is still continuing.  After a slow down for a bit, I am back on track and also right on track to reach my final goal.  I am only loosing about 1 – 2 lbs. per week, but I am assured that, that is the healthy way to do things.  I can wear clothes I haven't worn since I moved to England, barely fit in my jeans (in a good way), and finally fit back into my wedding ring.  It is hard work, but I think I am finally starting to get that exercise and eating right is just “life” not a change that I have to make, because I’ve made it now and just have to keep going.
*  It was my birthday on Saturday.  It was a good day (and my last one in England).  I was woken up by Chris with breakfast in bed, my mom (like always) had made sure I had a little something to open, we went out to lunch, and then since Chris took the day off – we just relaxed.  Chris treated me very well and it was a good day.  I hate to think of the reality that this my last year in my 20’s – and always get disappointed at how little I’ve done in the last year… but, am looking forward to the changes the next year will bring.
*  I still am kind of working babysitting twins up the road.  They are lovely children and really well behaved.  It is good money and a great job, but I am now looking for something a little more steady so that we can up our savings.  Wish me luck!!
*  I have surgery scheduled on the 26th (Happy Thanksgiving to me!) for infertility exploration.  While, I am not very public about my infertility struggle on this blog… it is a huge step towards finding out what is wrong and fills my thoughts constantly.  I will write more about everything on my other blog sometime in the near future.  (If you want an invite let me know).
*  The car is broken again…. so frustrating!  We ran out of petrol yesterday in a huge rainstorm on the way to church.  Luckily our sister in law, Becca, rescued us.  We were super late for church and Chris was soaked, but at least we made it back home, after church… barely. 
So that is all…. more than I thought.  I will update more regularly and I am also going to post some old stories I wrote that I found the other day.  Hope you all have a great week!

Step One… Done! Next….

Hello everyone!!!  It has been a while since I have written.  I have had quite a hard week (or two).  I am struggling to follow my new “healthy lifestyle” (I refuse to call it a diet).  It is sooooo easy to get discouraged!!  I also went to a friends going away party on Saturday.  She is an American and her husband is English and she went through the same process we are going through.  She gets to go home this month and I am jealous!
We did get good news today.  Chris and I filed his paperwork for the VISA a few weeks ago.  On the website it says that the wait time for that to be approved is over a month.  Chris and I were expecting that and were very surprised when, in the post today, we got the letter saying it was received on the 18th of Aug. and was approved on the 25th.  What a blessing! 
Our next steps are to fill out more paperwork and schedule a medical appointment in London (oh yeah, and to save up all the money needed). 
Chris and I are doing everything we can to save up the money.  We are selling bits and pieces we don't “need” and trying to think of ways to save.  It is going to be a struggle but so worth it!
I try not to think about “when I get home” because I don't want to work myself up about it.  I am having some strange feelings about leaving England.  I am going to miss it.  I keep thinking, “I need to do __________ because it is our last summer living here….” etc.  I want to try to see as much as I can before we leave. 
I guess at this point we go with the flow.  I can say that I cannot wait for the support of friends and family.  I do have a few select friends here in England but, cant wait to see everyone.  I guess I just have to keep that in my mind when I have bad weeks like this last one.
So does anyone out there have any amazing ideas on how to earn money???  Do tell…

Jamie the Cake Maker

Yesterday was Chris' Birthday, and it was a big one – 30!  Last Saturday we had a party for him.  We had it at the chapel where we meet for church.  We spent quite a bit of time setting up and cooking party food.  We didn't have as good of a turn out as I would have liked, but we had most of the family there and some good friends from church.  I made a special train cake for Chris which he really liked and so did the kids!  That along with 45 cupcakes kept me in the kitchen the entire night before here is the cake:


I was pleased with the way it turned out. 
Here is the party before the party:

His sweet sister Rachel did the signs and also spent a lot of time helping me set up.
Yesterday we didn't do much to celebrate.  We went to dinner but it was PACKED so we ended up coming home and getting a take away.  I felt really sad because no one from Chris’ family said Happy Birthday to him but his dad and sister and he has to wait to get his present from America, so I tried a new recipe for a chocolate cake.  It was one of the best cakes I’ve ever had (if I do say so myself):

One of the things I did for Chris’ party was get his friends from around the world to send him birthday cards – we got quite a few and I am so thankful for them because I think it make Chris’ birthday even more special knowing that so many people care about him.  Here in England they give cards for everything and then display them so here are Chris’ cards:

17 cards in all (yes the one on the far right on the TV is a pickle – thanks Abbie).
All in all it wasn't the surprise 30th Birthday party that I wanted but, I hope Chris’ knows how much people care about him!

Spend! Spend! Spend!

Well things have settled from the holiday.  Although the holiday is over, it appears we are still paying for it.  Like I said in the last entry, Chris got his wallet stolen while we were in Brussels.  He had his wallet in his back pocket (we do know now, not a good idea, but we didn't think about it or worry about it before hand).  He had a long T-shirt on and a long coat that covered his back pockets and yet, we both know when it happened because we both noticed the guy bump into him, but didn't think about it until we where about a block away and Chris noticed it was gone.  We tried to ask people on the street and in shops where the police station was but no one would speak English so we walked back to the hotel, asked the mean employee, who, wouldn't give us a phone number, only circle a general area on a map, and cancelled the cards.  Chris had 2 bank cards in his wallet.  We called and cancelled the card within 45 minutes (at the most) of the card being taken.  We took out the money we had put in there for "emergency holiday funds", loosing money by getting it out in Euros and felt quite assured that the man who stole it could do no more damage, until Chris remembered that the overdraft for the checking account was directly connected to the Visa card that had a bigger balance on.  We crossed our fingers that we had caught it in time. 
Monday morning we realized we hadn't caught it in time at all...  in that 45 minute space of time whoever stole the card had managed to spend around $600.00, not to mention all those foreign conversion fees.   We called the bank and they said they didn't know the details of all the transactions but two were for - women's wear, and one was at an art gallery.
I am sure the person who stole the card has it all down to a science and I am sure they were busy that night because at the police station there were 3 ahead of us that had purses/wallets stolen and 2 more come in while we were waiting, but we continue to watch the account and to be amazed at how much they got in such a short time.
So.... all we can do is say, Merry Christmas to someone out there who now has an extra wad of cash, thanks to their "Secret Santa"!

Happy Birthday to Chris, Happy Birthday to Chris....

Hello Internet!  Today is a very special day because... (as if you cant tell) ITS CHRIS BIRTHDAY!
Chris is turning 29.  He was born in Gateshead, England (that is where he got his lovely "geordie" accent).  Chris is the oldest in his family, but displays none of the typical "oldest" traits (bossiness, loudness, always having to be right"ness") like his wife.

Chris and I met face to face in October of 2004.  I picked him up for our blind date and was immediately drawn to how comfortable I felt around him.  He was awkward and shy was very genuine and I found out quite quickly he was a man who knew what he wanted.
I love Chris for so many reasons....  one of the reasons is that he loves me in a way that I didnt think I was worthy to be loved.  After a really rough go at dating and relationships in general I always thought that I deserved so much less that what Chris gives me.  He is kind, loving, and understanding.  He lets me be horrible to him one minute and hugs me and tells me he loves me the next.  He is quick to forgive and very VERY slow to anger.

Chris loves the church.  He wasnt always active but, he has always been a good example to me of what it means to be a member.  He spends a lot of his time teaching with the missionaries, going home teaching, and all the other things associated with his calling.  The people in the branch love Chris, they love his ability to talk to people, his ability to make people laugh, and his testimony. 

The kids love him too... all kids...  He was a lifesaver at times when I was a nanny - cutting out 30 butterflies while I slept off a migraine, played endless games with them and even had heart to heart talks with them when they were sad.  Now back in England his nieces and nephews LOVE him.  Alfie loves seeing the trains with him and last week wouldn't even go to his mom because he was sitting by Uncle Chris.  Georgia loves him too... they have always had a bond because from the time she was very young Chris and I took care of her.... and Chris jumped right in the deep end with that - doing everything but changing nappies (diapers).  He would feed her, dress her, put her to sleep, and play with her.  She loves her Uncle Chris - so much in fact it is her new word. 
Chris is great with children and will make a wonderful father someday.  That is another thing I was looking for and I definitely got it with him.

I lucked out with Chris for sure.  After all the horrible things I had to go though with other "men" and I just happened to stumble across Chris, I am thankful for that stumble.  We have gone through so much already in our short marriage... and the trials just keep coming.  I am glad Chris never wants to give up on us and I am glad he has so much patience!
Today is special because, today was the day, 29 years ago, that the best man I have ever met was born.  I hope that he knows and can sort out through everything that I love him and that I am so glad he was born and I am so glad he didnt give up on me and I am so glad that I have the chance to spend many, MANY more birthdays with him.

I love you Chris!!!!

Tiny Moments ... Day 15

Yes, that is a green sweater, yes, those are Utah Jazz bottoms - No, I didn't marry him for his fashion sense - and believe it or not the sweater is unusual -- usually it is a red striped shirt (equally mismatched) and yes, he does wear it when company comes over.

Tiny Moments ... Day 8

These are what I like to call my "ear canal accessories", my ear plugs.  I wear them every night without fail, beginning the very first night of my marriage.  They are my sanity and my reason for actually sleeping at night instead of laying in bed, getting more angry because of my husbands snoring.  The worst thing about them is once I put them in, Chris has to repeat everything he says to me from that point on, so needless to say a conversation that would usually take 10 minutes, takes at least 20 from all the repeated sentences.  They are magic though, I can hear most everything else, alarms, crying kids, and even sometimes music, but, amazingly enough in the mornings I cant hear anything.  Chris can vacuum, make phone calls, and do dishes and I sleep right through it.  Wearing them every night is a pain, especially with a cold, but that is the price I'll pay.  So, until they come up with a cure for snoring, I'll be sporting these lovely, purple accessories.

Tiny Moments... Day 3

Chris - my star piano student.  Several lessons, and no arguments.... now if he'd just curve his fingers more...

How to Kill a Wasp in a Few Easy Steps

You'd think I would be the main character in this story... but its not me, its my husband and after you read this you'll see why we are quite suited for each other.
1.  Identify the problem:

I walked into the bathroom and hanging out by my window were two very angry wasps trying to get out.  Finding a wasp is unsettling enough as it is, but TWO...
Here is the window they were stuck in....
 

2.  Call for help if necessary:

So I RUN out of the bathroom, quick as anything, slamming the door behind me and saying in a panicked, alright slightly loud voice,
"CHRIS!"
He comes running from the sitting room to find me sitting on the bed, he is saying,
"What, What is it?"
"It is, there are, TWO wasps in the bathroom!"
and what do I get back,
"So, GO KILL THEM!"
But I am not going to go near the bathroom so I shoot back,
"YOU'RE THE BOY - ITS YOUR JOB!"

3.  Find the killing equipment:

Chris grabs the nearest thing to kill them with, maybe a rolled up newspaper? A book?
Nope, the air freshener.
He slowly opens the door and starts to spray those wasps, as he is doing so he is shouting back to me,
"They aren't dying!"
So I explain how he needs a more direct approach not some air freshener that he isn't even shooting near the wasps, but from the door.  He shuts the door and we try to figure out what might kill those wasps and then we (I say we, I mean ME) get an idea --

So he tries again, but he is still having the same problems and then I yell (through my laughter),
"Put it on the straight stream and AIM!"
So he does and he starts to give me play-by-play -- It isn't working, oh it is, one just dropped out, ooohhhh I got the second one!

4.  Clean-up:

What Chris didn't want to do is get near enough to the wasps to take down the dry laundry hanging from the window and after all of that spraying they smelled not only like air freshener, but also were soaking wet from the spray bottle.
But the wasps were gone with, probably quite a lot more effort than necessary, but at least they were gone.  Needless to say we keep that window shut most of the time, because as effective as those killing steps are, they really aren't worth it.

The 4th of July is a Holiday???

It is hard to forget in America that the 4th of July is a day of BBQ's, friends, family, hot weather and fireworks.  It is kind of easy to forget, or try to forget, here in England (especially since the weather was in the 60's and RAINY).
I didn't forget, don't get me wrong, how could I when I miss the country so much and probably start a good percentage of my sentences with, "Well in America..." or "Back home in Utah...."
But then comes the problem, there is no celebration here...  well not close by, there was a big firework display in Kent, England but that is 3 hours away, £25.00 per person, and £40.00 in gas money... so that was a "no go" not to mention I HAD TO WORK - ON THE 4TH of JULY...
So needless to say I was missing home quite a lot and decided not to do anything that has to do with the 4th and just treat it like "another day" that is until I came home from work to, what has to be the most thoughtful thing I've seen in a LONG time...
                    

A View From the Top                                          A Slice...

                 
A Side View... a TALL cake                   In Red Frosting "Happy 4th of July!!!"
Want to be even more impressed?  Made by my ENGLISH husband, from scratch, in 3 hours while I was at work.
That cheered me up quite a bit....
And after a while I finally let myself think about what I miss about America, you see I had to give myself permission because if it just creeps up on me I am overcome by emotion, not just because I miss my family and friends and lets see.... Taco Bell, Low Gas Prices (Low Prices Full Stop), Automatic Cars, Mountains, I-15, Big Meal Portions, 4 Distinct Seasons, etc, etc, etc....  but I miss my country, the pride that comes with the title of being "American", the buzz you get when you put your hand on your heart and sing (or listen) to the Nation Anthem, the flags proudly displayed everywhere, and the feeling of belonging that I have yet to feel here in England.
I love England, but my loyalty and heart belong firmly in America.   
So then I thought what can we do to celebrate the JOYOUS holiday???
And then, we went to KFC!!!
Happy  Birthday America!!!  
P.S. My favorite 4th tribute?  http://mightygirl.com/2007/07/04/god-bless-america-please/

Just the Right Thing to Say

We live with an old, deaf, blind and quite opinionated woman.

For weeks now, she has been telling me what a bad wife I am to my husband. 

If we have left-overs, I should make him a warm meal.

If I make him wait in town for me, I should be there to meet him.

If I ask him do some laundry (which I rarely do), I should be doing it.

And on and on and on....

A few nights ago it got to be too much!

Jamie:  Chris, I am a bad wife.  I didnt make your sandwhiches for you for lunch tomorrow.

Chris:   Jamie, you are not a bad wife, I can make my own sandwhiches.

Jamie:  Yeah, but if you do then Olga will just say how bad of a wife I am.

Chris:  Look at her, her first two husbands left her, I dont think she can tell YOU how to be a wife.

And that was just the right thing to say.

So Long, Farewell......

The time has FINALLY come for Chris and I to move up to Doncaster.  This Saturday we are saying goodbye to the caravan, the family, the amazing branch, the noisy trains, and the city of March.  Am I sad?  Yes!  I am sad because I have really grown to like my new family (especially my mother-in-law -- and that isnt kissing up -- she doesnt read this).  It is also scary to go to a new city that Chris and I know nothing about at all.  Chris is brave... he already has job interviews set up and doesnt know how to get to them.  I am going to hold things off until I get a little settled.   We are going to be staying with an old lady called Olga who is gone with her senior friends a lot and is legally blind.  I am wary of moving in with someone that I dont know at all but the other day when Chris called her (he always does, I dont understand anyone on the phone here) she asked if we wanted her to get us any food for when we come on Saturday.  I have a feeling it will be like living with a grandma - a grandma who I cant understand - but a grandma none the less.  It will be good to get on our own.  Olga informed us that she will be gone all next week.  I turned to Chris and asked, 'What are we going to do with a house to ourself?????!?'  It is something we've never NEVER had.  It will be strange for him to go to work each day, strange to have a bathroom in the same house as us, strange to have some space, and strange to have a closet -- we havent had one of those since we've been married.  I dont think she has the internet so it might be a while until I write again, but its my blog - you faithful readers are used to that!

A Near Death Experience....

The other night I couldnt sleep in the caravan.  Chris could and did - and he fell asleep about an hour before me.  I caught up on some writting and then settled in to bed.  Chris was snoring as usual.  I put in my earplugs and then he rolled over and grabbed my hand to hold it, and fell back asleep.  It was at an uncomfortable angle so I shifted my hand to make it more comfy for Chris.  A few minutes later it got really quiet.  Usually I can hear Chris snoring, even with my earplugs in, and I didnt hear anything so I thought to myself - he isnt breathing.  I looked at his shoulder against the light outside to see if I could see it rising up and down - nothing.  So I started to feel around on his wrist trying to feel for a pulse.... nothing.... trying for at least a minute, I started to get worried.  Then the second I took out my earplugs Chris snored SOOOO lound that it scared me to death!  He was breathing and then so was I and I was conforted in the fact that not only now I knew he was alive.... my heart was beating so fast, so was I!

*  We are moving to Doncaster next Friday!  Finally getting out of the lovely caravan (camper) that, after waking up to a large spider crawling in my sweatshirt (yes its that cold), pulling it out with my fingers and waking up with it dead under me, I am R-E-A-D-Y to leave it behind as a memory.

*  Speaking of spiders, there was a spider in the bathroom here that was as big as an adult female's whole hand.

*  And FYI, since Jamie is a boys name in England, we (Chris and I) are contemplating changing my name in England to McKayla... what do you think? 

Better Late, than never...... Right?

If I wrote on here everytime I thought about writing.... it would be full of stuff.... but, I havent.  So take this as my first blog from my new life in England.

I would love to be able to write a whole bunch of wondeful things about England (like I did in December), but the thing is... this is harder than I ever though it would be.  That is the real reason I havent written.  I dont want to sound too down or complain to much or give England a bad name :). 

It has been a hard adjustment.  I am living in a trailer (caravan) with Chris in the back yard (garden) of his parents house.  We are lucky that we've spent so much time together already, because, had we not we probably would have killed each other by now in the small space.  The first 2 weeks we got here the weather was awful.  HOT HOT HOT and no air conditioners.  I mean we're in England, who needs air conditioners?  AMERICANS!  And then after he heat comes the rain - and LOTS of it.  Much better than the head mind you, I'm not complaining!

Everything is different here - the scenery, the accent, the television, the words, the food, the people, EVERYTHING.  People here say 'blimey!' and 'fortnight'.

Everyone here has been really nice though.  I dont mind living with my in-laws (I can say that because it is short term). 

But through the good of England, all I can think about is home....  Utah.  I miss my family and my friends more than I ever thought possible.  It is like a part of me was left in America. 

But, I'm fine.  I always am.  I'll update on here more often.  Make sure you leave comments so I know its being read!!!

Livin' it up in PA (or my BLOG with a mention of Chris)

Hello Blog people!

I am here in PA - FINALLY!  The road was long, but I am here and somewhat in a sound mind.  Things are hard but, things are right too.

The kids are great... same as I remember.... crazy as I remember.

The hotel I am staying in is CRAP - but - oh well.... right (keep telling me that).

The wedding plans are coming along nicely... and he still wants to marry me... even if I do cry to him a lot... he says that is in the "Good Husband Handbook".  I say good -- I've held in the tears for 25 years -- FINALLY someone I've roped into sticking around while I let my emotions actually show!!!

And lastly.... Chris (the aformentioned above - lest you get confused), my beloved (my mom will get that joke) is amazing... he's the one above who listens to me cry -- stop reading now if you dont want to puke from the sappiness of the next few sentances....

Chris is amazing.  He called me EVERY day while I was on the road (did I mention it was LONG -- how do people live in Nebraska????) most of the time he called 2 or 3 times to see that I was okay and to talk.  Sunday, when I took my mom and sister to the airport -- he called at the very minute I was going to pull off the road and call him.... and he said several time -- just cry jamie... you let it all out.  Which is something I am not used to hearing... but am growing to love.  I never imagined I could love someone the way I love him.... I am a lucky girl....

So there you go.... my life in a nutshell... all-be-it a sappy one ;)  Life is alright... I love my nanny family, I LOVE my amazing family back home -- who I miss more than I'd ever admit - and I love Chris (this blogs for you).

Dum Dum Dee Dum

Well I am back from England... It is good to see friends and family but I miss home (England) more than anyone thinks...

The date has been set - officially we are getting married May 6th!

After that we'll move to PA so I can finish my nanny contract and then it is off to Jolly Old England for a few years while Chris goes to school. 

I feel great about it.... I am excited for the wedding.... and even more excited to live in England.... and the most excited at the prospect of spending forever with Chris....

A Romantic Story in 3 Sentences....

We were overlooking the River Thames late Friday Night.

He got down on one knee and said, "Will You Marry Me?"

I said, "Yes, of course."

Still in England.... Still Alive....

First I am going to do the usual apologizing for not keeping up on my BLOG like I promised. 

SORRY SORRY SORRY SORRY SORRY

If I had any idea how full my days would be when I left, I wouldnt have made such promises. 

So here is your update....

Things here in England are WONDERFUL.

We got back from Christmas and I had a day on my own (hence the TESCO story) and then Chris called in sick to work on Thursday and Friday - so we got out and did some sight-seeing and saw some movies etc.  It was great to have him here with me during the days! 

New Years Eve we went into Central London to see the firework show by the London Eye.  It was surreal when we got there.  Big Ben was behind me and in front of me was the River Thames and then across from that was The Eye.  The firework show was really really good and London was an ideal place to ring in the New Year - until we had to get back to the tube station, which was right around the corner, but took us about 1 1/2 hours to get there.  There was a huge crowd of thousands of people and everyone wanted to get in.  It was actually quite scary and although, the fireworks were great.... they werent worth risking my life to get back on the tube, and next year I'll just watch it on TV with Chris instead of going down there.

Sunday we went to  church and had to take 2 busses and walk.  We left at about 9:15 AM and didnt get to church until around 10:15.  This is not normal for this "Utah Mormon".  It was a good service, even if I did end up playing the piano - again.

Monday I finally FINALLY got to meet my good friend John.  John and I met about 6 years ago on the internet and have talked ever since.  He is the one who set me up with Chris.  Monday we hung out with him and his lovely wife and then went to London for dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe - Chris and I paying as a thank you for introducing us. 

Tuesday I took a train to Doncaster to visit my good friends Michelle and Daniel and their baby Josh.  It was so good to see them again and spend some time with them.  They are a great family and amazing friends.   Time went by too fast when I was there.  Yesterday we went to the second hand market in the city centre.  I got a cute English teapot and then we went shopping in some stores and I got 3 pairs of shoes for only.........

£14.00.  I think its a bargain..... I even got a pair for £1.00.  I reluctantly said goodbye to Michelle and Daniel and came back home.  Home as in London. 

It is so good to be  back.  I missed Chris more than I thought I would - I mean after all I was only gone for a night. 

For those of you wondering.... things with Chris are good - very, very good. So good in fact that I am probably going to extend my ticket for another week.  When I left America if you would have asked me how things were going to turn out with Chris - this way was the one way I DID NOT expect.  It is a very happy surprise.

And almost as much as I love Chris, I love England.  I havent been homesick - AT ALL.  Do I miss my friends and family - of course!  But, I feel more at home here than I have anywhere else - ever.  And now, as Chris and I move forward with plans for our future - I realize that England is going to be a big part of it - and that makes me very happy.

P.S. If you want Chris' version of the week check out his blog.... the link is on my list of links...

Miracles do Happen....

For anyone who knows me at all... they know that the less work involved in getting somewhere  - the better.  Church is right down the street?  I take a car.  Kim lives a street away - I drive to her house.  Well, as I am happy to report, here in England I did something I would NEVER do in America - I took a BUS to the store.  Chris was sweet and gave me great instructions.  Although, as good of the instructions - it didnt stop me from worrying a little every time I got on the bus - that I was quickly getting lost in LONDON - a town where so much looks the same and there is no rhyme or reason to the streets.  I hear that is how it is in other places - mostly everywhere besides Utah.  At any rate I managed to get the right bus - shop at TESCO... find my way through the new foods (well, new to me) and find good old ingredients for spaghetti.  HURRAY!!!  Then, even after that I managed to keep my purchases down to 4 bags full (unusual for me) and take the correct bus home.  That was a little more difficult then getting there - as I didnt know where the bus stop was so I took a little bit of a stroll to get there - but I got there - that is all that counts!  Now I am home (Chris' home) and waiting for Chris to bring the missionaries over so we can feed them dinner. 

I do love it here.... I love everything about it.   I love the sights and smells and sounds of England.  I always have, and probably always will.  Could I see myself living here (and at that, riding the bus everywhere)?  YES without hesitation - YES!