Does Halloween upstage Easter?

I just read the cutest Children's Book about the different holidays throughout the year. The book is 'Over and Over,' by Charlotte Zalotow. All the days we celebrate in the year are fun but I think Halloween is my fave.
My sister and I were talking about the celebrations we have through the year and we realized something about the emphasis and energy we put on each. It appears we are not too steady sometimes with the amount of time and planning we put into these events. Halloween is the first big thing we celebrate at the beginning of the school year and can be so BIG, since there's lots of lead up. But by Sping we get a little tired! We realized that sometimes at Eastertime we find ourselves pooped out... not a lot of activities planned, or special things to make it meaningful. And it's SUCH a great holiday! Spence and I decorated cupcakes this year, which isnt bad I guess but there's so much more that we could do! Halloween we had some great costumes going and went to a huge dance, Easter was more quiet. So this year I want to have a little more 'holiday celebtration energy' for Easter time and maybe have people over to decorate eggs! Or have a dinner! Or even have an egg hunt! Or go on a spring time hike or have a spring tea (Mercedes?) Until then... halloween costume ideas have a while to brew... is this why Halloween is one of my faves? Because I have lots of time to think about it?

Wedding Bells

Check out this link to a Wedding Blog Post about us!


http://www.etownbrides.com/fun-wedding-details-cindy-gannon-photography/

Love EVERYONE

The other day in Sunday School we were talking about love and that as Christ has loved us we should love one another. (John 13)
I think that we are living in an exciting time when our church is expanding to have people of even more diverse backgrounds and rich heritages not only new in the church - but clearly established, filling roles as leaders and being a positive influence. Sometimes it's easier to love someone who is from a similar background and upbringing, because we are already familiar with their habits, etiquette, and even language. But I have found that sometimes the people I least expect to be helpful are actually the wisest, most experienced and kind friends.

There is even someone in my ward who makes a point of trying something new with a new person each month. She said that as a result she has made some great friends and has acquired a new hobby that she LOVES... Sailing.

So how can we be more tolerable then more loving and then a better friend to some of the people who come into our lives?

The Getty!

Spence and I have been trying to get to the Getty for a while (The Getty Center in Los Angeles is a museum funded by J. Paul Getty - the first site outgrew his home... this 2nd site is 24 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains above the 405 Freeway.) We were lucky to hit it on a clear day and got a great view of the gardens and some of the surrounding 600 (!) acres kept in a natural state. It was lovely to get up there and see a great exhibit, appreciate the architecture of the property, and take in the views!

The exhibit was 'The Life and Luxury of Paris' in the 1700's!... it was fascinating to see some items from that time- musical instruments, elaborate clothes and beds, card games, games similar to bridge... lovely art and sculptures that were on display in these homes of the wealthy... they seemed to enjoy Greek Mythology, and it was a way to display their advanced education... letter writing... as we learned about this time it seemed that Spence and I started making contrasts and comparisons to our time. What are some things you think you would have enjoyed if you had lived in that era?