1 Month Early Birthday

For the Holidays we got Protesters! As we waited for the verdict on the Mike Brown case we counted down the minuets until the verdict came no inditement. We watched the craziness in St. Louis, especially Ferguson as their city was destroyed to pieces. We especially liked the event where all the protesters got near ABI where Chris works. We watched as they stood under the bridge. That's the bridge that's my work! It was kind of funny to see that the protesters were literally right where Chris works. Yet, the next day everyone showed up for their clinical appointment...We even had a whole hour dedicated to the whole shindig at church today. 

So that was the start to the Holiday Season, Thanksgiving was a peaceful day. I didn't see any protesters on the way to our friends house which was nice since the day before I44 was blocked off. Thanksgiving Feast was a hit! Thanks Pappy's! Chris and I love their ribs... seriously BEST ribs ever. I am not even a huge fan of ribs. That says something for having it for Thanksgiving. Everything was delicious, the coconut sweet potatoes, the fruit salad, the green bean casserole, mashed potatoes. Mmm but the best part was of course our company, it was nice to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving even though both our families were away. I think Chris and I are getting used to it since it's been a while since we have gone home for Thanksgiving. We played Mexican Horse Races... Chris's game wasn't sure if everyone knew what was going on..and we played Wolf. Guess who got out first? Ya me and Chris sought me out! He just knows me too well. 

Because of our busy schedules: Finals coming up, Chris going to San Diego, Being on call, and going home for Christmas, we decided to celebrate my birthday this weekend! 

Friday night I drug out Chris to go Black Friday Shopping at the Outlets. Honestly, Black Friday is a bust there really is not many good deals but I'll always take a shopping trip:). 

Saturday morning we went on a gorgeous hike on a gorgeous day! It was in the 60's this weekend and perfect hiking weather. We went to Hawns Hiking about an hour south of St. Louis. We hiked for a little bit and then went back and got some Pi Pizza. My favorite! To end the birthday extravaganza we went ice skating in Steinberg Ice Skating Rink, Chris and I both agreed probably one of the coolest ice skating rinks we have ever been to. It had the feel of Rockefeller center with a cool burning fire. No Christmas tree though, I feel like they were trying to be politically correct while playing holiday songs and no stereotyping colors of Christmas. Had such a blast! Here is to year 23! One of the most stressful years in my life!!!

Maggie Posing like a Person

 Ice Skating at Steinberg Skating Rink

 Self-Timer, as my water bottle drops into the rushing river 

Maggie cocking her head as I am screaming to get her attention

One happy puppy

Vanessa, Lydia, and I taking a Indians and Pilgrims Shot

 Our St. Louis Family :)

Best Part... Doing the dishes...

Grand Jury Decision

That scene from Hot Rod where people from all corners of the city join in and unite with THAT epic song. Peaceful walking and then all of a sudden violent RIOT.
Bob McCulloch, the St. Louis County Prosecutor. Grand Jury of 12 people selected in May.
The group of 12 includes nine white people (six men and three women) and three black people (two women and one man), court officials said.3 autopsies
"The Decision"
40 degrees 8:17 P.M.
Drug analysis, toxicities, blood analysis
In Missouri, grand jurors don't have to be unanimous to indict, as long as nine of the 12 agree on a charge. BUT the decision was unanimous. 
No indictment of Darren Wilson.

"Peaceful protest" Obama says, half screen shot to the protests and they are rocking the police car. 
This will be an interesting week. Especially with Thanksgiving and all let me be the first to say I am grateful for a country that keeps me safe!
Clinical canceled tomorrow and no make ups? Unheard of but that is what is happening, I even researched my patient and all his medications!

In other news, last Sunday there was  a little bit of church drama. As we were standing up singing "Redeemer of Israel our only delight..." A woman passes out behind me. Orthostatic hypotension! A "reason why we don't stand for the hymns of Zion" something like that at the MTC Chris says they announce. I totally would have been the first one I could have checked her BP and Pulse! But the other 10 doctors in my ward beat me.

I am pretty excited for Thanksgiving, I am not cooking a Turkey like last year. That was an epic turkey, but we are going to go with Pappy ribs and burnt ends mmmmm so tasty!! 

A lot is going on this week, and finals are not too far away! I can't believe I am halfway through with my Nursing program and on my way to being an RN! I can't wait and love every second of it! Even the countless hours of studying nursing has lovingly given me :)

Nauvoo

We just love our Houston friends so much. The have come out and visited us twice within the last 4 months. We couldn't ask for better friends :). The first time around we did the typical St Louis tourists activities-- listed on my other blog. This time around we went to Nauvoo, Mark Twain's Boyhood Home, and Carthage Jail. It was an amazing weekend so nice to have a little break from nonstop nursing school. 

We started the weekend off with a little Ted Drewes. I had never been there before and thought we would give it a try. I love custard ice cream. In Utah, they also have a little custard shop that I used to go to all the time. This Custard place is a little unique in that they have all these unique flavors and mix-ins. So good! Lewis and Jesse got the best by far. PB cup, banana, and hot chocolate syrup. MMM! So tasty. Also, when they hand you the ice cream, they turn it upside down and give it to you. Since it is so thick the ice-cream does not fall out! Amazing..

We woke up early and set our trek to Nauvoo. We stopped in Hannibal where Mark Twain grew up. No they are not cannibals... 

Carthage jail was BY FAR my favorite. The spirit that was there was eminent and we all could feel the love for the prophet Joseph Smith. The women taking us on the tour also started getting teary-eyed at the end of the tour. I wonder how many times this happens to her. It is a very spiritual place but I felt that maybe we had a little different of experience. The spirit drew closer as good friends were coming to learn more about the life of Joseph Smith and where the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored. 

Of course I had to tell the missionary workers that we had a descendant of Hyrum Smith in our group. They said they had a great great grandson of John Taylor come in just that morning. It is crazy to see the descendants of our ancestors Lyman Wight (sold Adam-Ondi-Ahman  to the Mormons) , Anson Call (bodyguard to Brigham Young), and Hyrum Smith (brother to Joseph.)

We followed Carthage Jail with a visit to the Nauvoo Temple. We wanted to do a session in the temple but it was closed! Bad timing. We still walked around in the chill 40 degree air and took pictures. 

We walked the old streets and went to Josephs Store and learned that the upstairs room was where the revelation for Relief Society took place! 

We went home with some good Old fashioned fudge, a Nauvoo Red Brick, a metal diamond ring, horse shoe, and a very tired puppy. 

Had a great weekend with some great friends 

Relief Society Revelation taken place here. 

Replica of original key

Josephs Store

Top window was where Joseph Smith fell when he got shot by the mob

Great Great Great Grandpa Hyrum and Great Great Great Grandpa Joseph...Any resemblance?? 

Bullet shot at the door