Giving Thanks and Giving Back

Since we have a great break from school, I thought I would take advantage of the extra time and share some thoughts along the lines of the theme of the season.

Dave and I are feel very blessed this Thanksgiving. We feel like we couldn't ask for anything more. Dave is loving his schooling. I don't know if I know any other pre med student is more excited about learning about the human body! Every day he comes home from anatomy class just humbled by the intricate complexities of our God given homes. He's teaching me all about everything he is learning because he loves it so much. It makes me so happy to see that he has something to spend his life learning about that he just can't get enough of. Also, he gets the opportunity to be a Spanish-English translator for the Utah Valley hospital. He is very excited to be able to help families to understand what is going on during those emotional, fragile times, and he's excited to practice his Spanish.

School has been a wonderful thing for me right now too. Learning how to teach art and to understand this complex visual language has been a good opportunity for me. It is hard to be a part of the art world without considering self identity, without considering what message or story I feel is important to share with others. As I have thought about how I have become who I am I have thought a lot about my ancestors. There are so many wonderful lives to learn about and learn from. I like learning about important people in other's lives too. This past year I've had the opportunity to share my art with others by painting/drawing loved ones that have passed on. It truly is a spiritual process. I feel the spirits of these wonderful people as I try to portray their personalities, and the joy that it brings to others is just so humbling and fulfilling.

Another opportunity to give with my art is just around the corner. I know that you are probably sick of hearing about this, but it is coming up so soon and I am getting so excited about it that I just want to put in one more plug for it! My painting class is putting on a charity art show in the HFAC on BYU campus. The show will be on the evening of December 3rd. Each member of the class is contributing 20 jars that we will give to those who wish to buy them, but instead of giving the money to us, they will give a signature, or a pledge, to donate ten dollars to the charity of their choice. Each class member has put probably about 60 hours each into their set of 20 jars. I also like the idea because it gives those buying the jars a chance to give. Here are a few of the ones I have done.

Dave and I are so grateful for each of you who are a part of our lives. Yesterday at my Cook Thanksgiving party we were asked to share the reason that we live each day, and both of us agreed that it was for the people that we love. We can't believe that it has already been almost eight months and we've just felt overwhelmed by the love and support we have felt from each of you.