Dave and Kara

I am proud to admit that I still sleep with a blanket. On occasion, Dave does get a little jealous, claiming that I cuddle with it more than him, and will throw it off the bed or hide it from me.

The blanket is really more of a family tradition than anything else. It was started by my Great Aunt Grace who could quilt beautifully. She would make us each a blanket at birth...from then on we were all hooked (including the boys, although I am sure they wouldn't admit it)! They are always made of this special silky material called Tricot that makes them perfect to wrap yourself in.

Our baby blankets would eventually wear out, requiring a new blanket. We often were able to choose what design and color we wanted on our "replacement " blanket. I remember my neon pink (early 90's if you couldn't tell) with bunnies on it blanket. My last blanket was a soft pink with Winnie the Pooh on it. Just picture this... a 25 year old caring around a pink Winnie the Pooh blanket! I even took with me during my many hospital stays this year. It was finally falling apart at the seams and it looked very tarted and well-loved!

Unfortunately, my Great Aunt Grace has lost her vision. But thankful she has passed her quilting skills down to many member in my family, including my grandma. I drew out the pattern that I was wanting for my new quilt and found the tricot fabric color I wanted. She brought it to Nauvoo when I saw her in September to give me her beautiful master piece. It turned out perfect. I love it and I love this family tradition!

Carthage Jail

>> Monday, December 21, 2009 – Travel

Carthage Jail, located in Carthage Illinois, is the site of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is only about 20 minutes from Nauvoo. While visiting the area, we had the opportunity to visit the jail as well. It is a somber experience, one that is hard to leave from without tears in your eyes. To learn more about the history of Carthage jail, please click here.

Chestnuts...who knew?

>> Sunday, December 20, 2009 – Travel

While in Nauvoo, we were walking around the church grounds when we came across several tree's with spiky balls. We couldn't figure out exactly what they were, so after a guided tour through Brigham Young's home was asked the sweet Sister Missionary if she could identify a few of the unique plants we had seen around the area. She pointed out the window towards some of the tree's we had looked at and told us they were chestnut tree's. She told us that we could go gather some of the nuts and informed us of the best way to roast them.

We later went outside to further investigate and sure enough, once you broke open the prickly ball of thorns (which was not an easy task to do) there sat a clump of several chestnuts. Some balls only contained one or two chestnuts and others had three or four.

Dave and my Grandma broke open several of the spiky balls that were laying on the ground and gathered as many chestnuts as their hands could hold. Maybe I have live a sheltered life, but I had no idea chestnuts grew in prickly balls like this! Fascinating...

Dave and my Grandma showing off their loot!

Historic Nauvoo

>> – Travel

Details and pictures from a few of our adventures around

Historic Nauvoo (from our trip in mid-September)...

Downtown Nauvoo

Of all the things to buy in Nauvoo, I bought fabric to make a cute Christmas apron (picture to come soon).

Yes, the Browning's (maker of Browning guns) was Mormon too!

(Inside the Browning Gunsmith Shop)

The Brick Yard-Old Nauvoo

The Brick yard was my favorite tour as they teach you the techniques of how they made the bricks over 160 years ago. I am not sure if it was because of my field of study or that I am simple minded but I was so fascinated by the whole process. It was such an elaborate task for what seams like such a simple object. Not to mention they give you a replica of the bricks made in Old Nauvoo around the 1840's.

The upper meeting room of the Red Brick Store

(Where the Relief Society was organized)

Joseph Smith's Home in Nauvoo

The Nauvoo Temple

After the saints were driven from their homes in Nauvoo, the temple was vacated. Eventually the structure was partially destroyed by arson's and a Tornado. The temple was rebuilt in 2002. For more information, click here.

The Turtles on the Mississippi

One afternoon we were able to walk along the banks of the Mississippi river. Almost every piece of driftwood that was found in the river was literally covered in turtles. I wanted to get a picture so bad, but every time I got within 200 feet of a log the turtles would all go barreling into the water. I finally sat very still and quiet, as close to one log as I could get...and eventually, three measly turtles climbed back on the log. It's not quite the same effect as them all piled on there, but it's the best that I could get!

Sunset on the Mississippi

One evening as we were leaving Nauvoo (which is right on the banks of the Mississippi river) headed back to the hotel, we caught a glimpse of a gorgeous sunset over the Mississippi. We were short on time and couldn't stop, but I simply couldn't resist capturing it's beauty. I rolled down my window, put the camera strap around my neck (to avoid potential disaster), and snapped as many shots as I could in hopes that I would get a few decent ones. Every time there was a break in the tree's I would take a few images. There were several images with a flash of a tree or a branch of leaves smeared across the sunset, but I was able to capture a few shots. The result is the image above.

I couldn't resist....

>> – Photography

I just finished editing some more of Cynthia's wedding/reception images and I just couldn't resist sharing a few more...

Cynthia's Wedding in Nauvoo

In mid-September Dave and I had the opportunity to go to Nauvoo, IL for my cousin Cynthia's wedding. I have mentioned Cynthia before as we are very close. We are only 3 months apart and we grew up spending our summers together, so she is really more like a sister to me. In our youth we were often found even fighting like sisters.

(the installation of fake eyelashes)

It was wonderful to see my family and to be able to spend time with them on many adventures (more to come) around the Nauvoo area. It was also fun to be a bridesmaid for the first time and to be Cynthia's wedding photographer as well. It was a little complicated to be both at the same time, but thanks to my dad for being my assistant it all worked out (although I must say I am a little jealous that he has a better camera than me)!

Neither Dave or I had been to Nauvoo which is rich in history for our faith. Along with the wedding in the beautiful Nauvoo temple, we enjoyed visiting many other church history sites.It was great to be surrounded by family that I have not seen in a while, some since I left for college.I am so happy for Cynth, she found a keeper! Here are a few more pics...