Southern Utah Couples Retreat

Going back in time here...to like last week which is weird because it feels so long ago! Before we left the States, we went on a quick trip to my favorite place on earth: Southern Utah. I have so many happy memories here: whether it's from my grandparents cabin in Duck Creek or my college years in St. George with my bestie Kelsy. I LOVE Southern Utah. It is so beautiful. It was also nice to escape the snow and freezing temperatures for a few days. 

We went with my sister and bro in law and deemed it the Couples Retreat of 2013. Technically, my niece tagged along, but since she is just so cute, we didn't mind. 

 Oh, and the dog tagged along too.

 I love how Victor carried her around. 
I love her!

 We also were able to go to Zion's National Park. I love that place. We hiked around a little and enjoyed watching the deer (Laila's favorite part)

Sisters, sisters...

 Did I mention I LOVE her?? And I love this picture.

 And I also love Dirty Dr. Peppers. We came here three times in two days. Sorry I'm not sorry.

 Until next time, beautiful St. George. And Jenn and Michael, next Couples Retreat will be in Okinawa, right???

La La Land Living

Ok, so we have made it to "the island," as everyone calls it here, which reminds me of that one movie with Ewan McGregor. You know, "The Island"?? Anyway, we are here!

It's been quite strange this time around moving to a foreign country. We are currently staying at a hotel on base (which is basically just like America), so it really hasn't been the same type of feeling as "oh wow, we are in a foreign country!"And since we got here on a Friday evening, the only thing we've really been able to do to get settled is get new phones. But we have made sure to eat some sushi, and it was DELISH. We've seen some of the island off base, but not too much.

So basically, this is just a post to let you know that we are here and we are alive, because I don't have much else to say since we've been in such a weird limbo stage!

Stay tuned for hopefully more interesting news, and some pictures. I had a couple that I took on my old phone, but it decided to randomly just delete them. Good riddance, old phone. Hello, new iphone, which oddly enough was way cheaper than getting an android. Like I said, it's La La Land!

Anxious.

I am anxious.

We are leaving in two days and I am starting to freak out a little. I hate the unknown. I hate not knowing what to expect. I hate not being in control. It's like we are starting over completely.

We have to find a place to live, we have to get a new phone plan and new phones, we have to get a new car. I have to learn how to drive a stick shift (pathetic that I don't know, I know) and learn how to drive it while learning to drive on the left side of the road in a foreign country. The good news is that the maximum speed limit on our tiny island is 37 mph, so at least I won't have to worry about aggressive drivers, right??

My husband might be leaving for training right after we arrive there, so I get to figure this stuff out mostly on my own.

And I just found out today that one of my really good friends in VA is no longer coming to Japan as planned. I know that I can make other friends, but isn't it just a nice feeling to know that there is at least one person who I am already close to who will be there? Yeah, I don't really have that any more, and it makes me more anxious.

I know these are kind of trivial things. But they are occupying my thoughts right now and really stressing me out. And that we are saying our final goodbyes, and it is so bittersweet. I feel like this:

Don't forget about me mmmkay? Keep in touch with me...please? Because I'm anxious about that too.

Love you,
Annie

Double the Christmas Fun

After Victor's graduation from his marine training, we loaded up the car, sat in DC metro traffic for the last time for a good long while, and made our way up to Victor's family's to see them for a few days. We loved seeing them and celebrating an early Christmas with them.

We battled INSANE crowds to see the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. It was beautiful and all, but crazy. We also had our own little Christmas program at home and then got to open a few presents. My in-laws spoiled me, as they usually tend to do. I love them!

We had to really fight to get these shots right in front! 

 Then we got to travel all day on Christmas Eve to make it to Utah just in time for Christmas Eve festivities. My family usually does a big recital with all of our instruments and then we read the Christmas Story. It wasn't as full blown as it usually is, due to our flight being late and also because of the fact that my sister/accompanist was at her in-laws, but it was still a nice evening.

Christmas morning post gifts. I always love the big pile of gift wrapping. All these pictures were taken by my dad.

I got Victor a his and hers set of snorkeling gear. We are ready for Okinawa now!

 We got my mom a platter when we were in Williamsburg a few weeks ago, which she loved. I dare say it was her favorite gift. My sibs said I have an unfair advantage to get her something from Williamsburg since she loves that place so much. Too bad for you guys!

We had a wonderful Christmas with both our families this year, and now we are just enjoying the Utah snow for a few weeks until we take off.

Do you want to hang out?? Text me!

Things I Want to Remember About Handel's Messiah

The first experience I had with the complete work of Handel's Messiah wasn't until I was a freshman in college and had the chance to play it with the Southwest Symphony in St. George, Utah. We took our performance on the road one evening: to Mesquite, Nevada, a small city of mostly retired snowbirds. After the performance, an old retired gentleman approached me and raved about the performance (and also how pretty I looked onstage, but that's besides the point :) ). " I am a retired blue collar worker," he said, "and I never had the chance to go to such beautiful events before. Thank you so much for your performance. Can I have your autograph?" I will never forget that moment. I was so happy that I was able to affect someone with the joy of music. 

After the winter semester ended, I returned come for Christmas, and was invited once more to perform with a small group in the historical Kaysville tabernacle, the one architectural wonder of the city (as deemed by my high school art history teacher). It was a beautiful experience.

Fast forward to seven months ago, as I was wandering around Westminster Abbey in London, with my touristy audio guide. I was guided to the burial place of George Friedrich Handel, and as I did, the audio guide began playing the beautiful soprano aria from Messiah, "I know that my Redeemer Liveth." It was extremely moving, and I knew that I was standing by the tomb of an inspired man.

Handel wrote his masterpiece in just 24 days. He rarely emerged from his room, with few breaks for food and water. He said to his servant as he finished, "I did think I did see Heaven before me and the great God himself!"

Just a few nights ago, we had the chance to see the National Symphony Orchestra perform Handel's Messiah on our last evening in Virginia, and I can't think of a better way to get in the Christmas spirit. We were extremely stressed because of moving, we were stuck in traffic, and Victor still hadn't received his official orders even though we were leaving in the morning, which naturally was stressful as well. We made it in the knick of time, and immediately as the music started, all of that stress just went away. It was incredibly beautiful, and I shed quite a few tears, as I tend to do a lot lately. I love how music has the ability to uplift you, and in the case of Messiah, help you feel closer to God. 

And, as one last memory, I'm glad I still live in a world where people stand when they hear the Hallelujah chorus. 

And, this is my favorite piece to listen to for Christmas time:

And this is my favorite for Easter:

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and Happy Sunday. 

Love, Annie

Our Christmas Card, 2012

I was so on top of cards this year! Not like last year, where I put something together in like five minutes and called it good. My friend Austin Johnson designed these--the same guy who designed my wedding invitations.  Thanks Austin! And thanks again to Holli for taking the pictures. I have talented friends. 

But I forgot to say one thing on the card, and that is that we hope you all have a beautiful Christmas season celebrating what matters most. We are so grateful for all that we have been blessed with, and the wonderful people in our lives.

Merry Christmas
Love, Annie and Victor

Sweet is the Peace

Here is a beautiful interview with the parents of one of the sweet children that passed on last week. I read a little more about them here, and they are members of my faith.


Such a powerful example to all of us. We can't help but ask "HOW?" How can they have such peace, even though they have been wronged, and their lives will never be the same?

The only answer is in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. All I can think of are the words I read so many times in my missionary manual: "All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

These last few days I have been feeling very discouraged. Discouraged that so many people still don't realize that our society's problems go so much deeper than gun control laws. I firmly believe that this nation was founded under divine guidance and blessing, and to see so many now trying to take that away and condemn it breaks my heart.

I believe whole-heartedly in the words of Ezra Taft Benson:

"Only the gospel [of Jesus Christ] will save the world
from the calamity of its own self-destruction. Only the gospel will unite men of all races
and nationalities in peace. Only the gospel will bring joy, happiness, and salvation to the
human family”

This is what I believe. I pray for our country. I pray for the world. And I pray for those who are currently suffering from all the tragedies taking place. There is still hope. There is still light in the world.  I hope we never forget that.