Firsts

It has been a whole week since I last posted.  The week was not overwhelmingly busy but there were just other things that I had to get done, forcing me to neglect my blog for a bit.  Now I am back and I have a few things to post about.  They are actually quite random things but I guess the word that would connect all of the events together is "first".  Here it goes:

• First snow fall:  Yes, this week was the first real snow fall of the season(meaning that the snow really stuck).  I love how beautiful and white it is!  I am also able to enjoy it when I don't have to drive far in it and I don't have to walk in it all day.  I really don't like it when loved ones have to travel in it and I worry myself sick!  I love the short snowball fights.  I love being warm and cozy inside while seeing it gently fall.  I also love the falling of people that takes place along with the falling of snow.  No, not when someone really gets hurt, but when it is just hilarious and you almost pee your pants because you are laughing so hard.  Tish, Steph, and I were leaving on Saturday night and Steph decided to run through the snow.  I suddenly saw a huge puff of snow and a squeal, only to find Steph sprawled out on her back in the snow seconds later.  After making sure she was okay, we laughed until our stomachs hurt.  I hope you enjoy the pictures.

• First Thanksgiving at home eating pie since 2004:  After my brother and sister-in-law were married in August of 2004, I decided that I wasn't going to eat ANY sweets for a week because I had an overload during all of the wedding festivities.  Well, long story short, it kind of became a habit and I didn't eat sweets again until July 11, 2009, right before leaving on my mission.  Yes, that was a good five years without them, and, to be honest, I didn't miss them a bit.  I have to admit that I am thankful that I ate sweets during my mission because they were amazing in the Netherlands!  I can't imagine never trying the delicious European chocolate, oliebollen, vla, kruidennoten, speculaas...it is all to-die-for!  Back to the point.  I am overly excited for Thanksgiving this year because I will get to eat pie at home.  YAY!  Which leads me to my next "first":
• First time making this pie:  I found this recipe on Our Best Bites and decided I had to give it a try.  It is really easy to make and it was quite scrumptious.  I love the mixture of cheesecake and pumpkin pie...two of my favorite things!  I am not sure if I am totally satisfied with the crust...it tastes a little bland.  Good tasting or not, it was really fun to make and it made our apartment smell divine, so I guess it was worth it!

• First time going to the OB-GYN: I am not going to go into much detail about this one.  It is a little private, wouldn't you say?  But I do have to mention it because it was a large part of my week.  On Monday I really decided that I better go but I was not very anxious about it.  I asked my mom to just make an appointment with our family doctor but then really felt like I should probably go to a specialist.  I was able to get a referral from someone and the appointment just fell into place.  I really think that timing was such a blessing!  I got the number for the doctor late Wednesday night and snuck out of the classroom the next morning at about 10 to see if I could get an appointment before Thanksgiving break.  They said they were all booked and almost hung up when she blurted out, "Oh, wait!  We just had a cancellation!  Can you come at 3:45?"  It was perfect!  Or so I thought until I hung up the phone and realized that I had carpooled with Katie and we wouldn't be back in time to make it to the appointment.  I tried to think of everyone possible to ask to give me a ride and prayed that it would work out.  Tish was just able to take a short break from work to come and get me and take me to my car.  I was so thankful!  Needless to say, I made it on time, the doctor was great, and the procedure was awful!  The doctor assured me that it was the worst pain I would experience next to child birth.  Bleh.  Glad that it is over with.  I go back tomorrow for a check-up.  Hopefully I won't have to have another appointment for a long while.
• First time going to bed at 7:20:  Yes, I went to bed that early one night this week.  I was just so tired that I really just fell asleep on accident and stayed there for the rest of the night.  It was wonderful and much needed.  Definitely not helping my social life but definitely helping my health.  
• First time teaching all seven temple prep lessons:  Today was the last lesson of the temple prep course.  I have loved every minute of being able to teach, and really seeing how it is the Spirit that does the teaching.  I have come to love the members of my class.  I have learned so much more about the temple.  My testimony has been strengthened.  I am looking forward to starting another round of the course.
• First time doing initiatories since before my mission:  I have been to countless sessions and to do sealings since I have been back from my mission, but I was finally able to do initiatories on Wednesday for ward temple night.  I loved it!  It was just what I needed.  The whole time I was just reminded of God's love for us.  He loves us so much and desires to bless us!  It was a great time to reflect on my blessings, especially during this special season.  
• First time teaching the whole class:  Tomorrow I will give my first, whole-group lesson in the Kindergarten class I am working in.  I have thoroughly enjoyed this practicum and the experiences I have had.  I love the kids and I love the teacher!  I have enjoyed doing one-on-one or small-group lessons with the kids, but I am really looking forward to whole-group lessons.  Even though I am a bit nervous, I know that experiencing it is the only way I can really learn and improve!

 Well, that is about all of the firsts that I can think of right now.  Other highlights of the week include Carli spending the whole day with me today, playing with the roommates over the weekend, a visit from Brett, Eric, and Justin, being completely honest with others (in how I feel), locking myself out of my room, and making chicken tortilla soup.  That is all for tonight, folks!