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Handwritten Wishes Christmas

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Shutterfly has a great deal on Christmas cards through today, so we made a few to send to those who helped us get to India (sorry everyone else, it gets pricey for our little budget - but here it is for you to see!). And by embedding this, I get a discount later :)  

My dearest mother

I am so thankful for November 9. It's one of my favorite days because it marks the day my mother was brought into the world. Not only is she essential to my existence, but she has been so fundamental in shaping who I am. And I love her, of course! 

Because of Mom, I know who I am. I am of worth, I am a daughter of God, I am part of a loving eternal family. And I am happy.

Because of Mom, I know the temple is important, and I know that serving others is what makes us happy in life. I know that love means sacrifice and selflessness, because that is how my mother is. She is the most charitable person I know - so giving of her time and talents and warmth. I am trying every day to be more like her. I hope I can be the kind of mother she is.

Because of Mom, I know I am capable of so much. She has been my cheerleader and my motivation. Even when I don't believe her, she always seems to know where my strengths truly lie. If I'd listened to her more, I think I'd be even better off than I am now. But she has never been pushy; she has always let me choose. And perhaps that's worth more than a perfect career path.

Because of Mom, I have a wonderful dad. Thanks for getting him to get engaged to get married, Mom. :) You two are the best parents I could ever dream up. I know that my perspective on marriage and my relationship with Kyle are so much founded upon the love and friendship I know you two share.

This simple blog post cannot adequately express how much you mean to me, Mom. But know that I love you and I miss you!  And I think you are gorgeous! I just can't wait to be with you again at Christmas!! How I wish we lived closer. Happy (belated) birthday, Mama!

A new camera?

Lately, when my mind goes idle it turns to the possibility of a new camera. It sounds funny, and maybe a little greedy, but what can I say? I'm excited.

Thanks, Pinterest.

I've been so grateful for my trusty little guy, but he's getting pretty old and I am outgrowing him. I've been at the point (for a while) where I feel restricted because of my camera's quality and the lenses I have. This may not mean much to many, but I just feel like writing about it. So I am.

It's kind of neat to do something where you literally see the progress that you've made. I am excited to expand and grow still. And I am excited to try and do so in a way that does not involve comparison or worries about external opinions.

I like to take pictures; photography is a way for me to let my creative side free and enjoy nature. It helps me connect with the simplicity of life. It makes me feel alive. I may not create much of anything monumental, but my photos make me happy. Photography is not me, but it is one small way I can be expressed.

I'm still trying to decide on a camera, and I have a few ideas, but I'm curious - do you have any suggestions for me?

Windows

During one of our last weekends in India, we took a trip - and landed ourselves in the most touristy place(s) we'd been: Jaipur and Agra.

Though I missed the less-scavenged feel of Hyderabad, there were many beauties up north. Prayer trees were my first favorite novelty, and in a close second came the windows. They just took my breath away. 

Perhaps it was the beauty and intricacy of the marble that caught my eye, but I think the way they celebrated light is what truly stole my heart. How I wish I had a window like one of these!

New Mama!

Took some maternity photos for a friend (who also loves photography) and her hubby last week. It was an honor, and so much fun. She wanted a fall feel for her October baby, so here's what we got.

 They're loyal BYU fans, like myself.

Now her lovely baby is out into the world and oh so darling! Congrats!!

Willows in the fall

Started an intermediate photography class with my bff Rachel, and our teacher is great! I feel like it will be a lot of stuff I know (cause most people are trying to learn manual and I've been doing it for three years now), but I'm excited to be able to step back and rethink my technique and learn all that I can. And of course time with Rach is the best part.

Since Kyle was out of town for Friday night date night, I decided to stroll down our street and practice some photoing. 

Life After India

It's been almost two months since we concluded our adventure. Though transitioning back to life in the US is much easier than being tossed into the pungency and bustle of Hyderabad, it's no secret that it's a little less exciting.

On a trip to Jaipur, India.

We came back with suitcases full of hard-bargained souvenirs, minds teeming with memories, and hearts bursting with a variety of indescribable human emotions. But my favorite thing that we brought back was each other.

Kyle-and-Katrina are a little different now. A little stronger and a little more adventurous. I don't think we really realized it while we were in India, through the excitement and the tears. But now we see it. And it's mostly in the small things.

Bobbling our heads when we're in agreement, Indian style.

Finding ourselves choosing to read The Chronicles of Narnia together instead of watching a movie when we have one of those rare free-but-lazy nights (though we still love movies).

Being a little more adventurous... and [me] being willing to get less sleep for it.

In the back of a very full van after visiting a rural village.

And best of all, we're closer.

After new experiences like learning to navigate the Indian transportation system, sharing a room with another couple (which ended up being a blast), and living through nights so hot you can't sleep, it makes sense we've come out stronger.

I'm so happy to know this is not the end of our adventures. I know most, or likely all, of our future  adventures will not be along the lines of working together abroad, but I'm sure glad we had this one. Now let's see what's up next!

in India. no big

Hey guys, in case you were unaware, Kyle and I are in our second week in India... crazy. For the summer we created a blog called

lettersfromhyderabad.blogspot.com

... so hear all about our adventures there!

Also, our team blog is http://india.help-international.org if you want to hear more often about what we're up to.

So far it's been so extreme - good and bad, beautiful and dirty, hot and... oh wait, only hot. But I am learning a lot and I think it's going to be one of the greatest experiences of my life. it's definitely going to be hard. but I'm sure it'll be worth it.

Graduation time!

Took a few graduation pictures for my dear friend Rachel. For some reason they're not letting me export them very easily, so I can't do a bunch but here's one for fun.

This Bella is in Italia now! On to great things and beautiful experiences. I miss her!