Back before the New Year

WE'RE BACK!

That is from South Africa. Wow how time flies. I can't believe that it is already New Year's Eve (Day) and that our three weeks in South Africa are already over.
We really had a great time. The sun was shining, we spent time with the family, and I even swam in the ocean. The Indian Ocean mind you. Now that is an accomplishment! :)
We had a very nice Christmas and hope that all of yours were wonderful as well.
I got to see my first Baboon (it was on the side of the road eating something) And I also got to see a pod of dolphons swimming in the ocean. I think that is pretty exciting!

So now that tomorrow is officially January, and it's the new year, the mind wanders to the old new year resolutions. I haven't put too much thought into it. I mean there's always the usual ones like "eat better," or "exercise more" but those should be a year round thing for me not just deciding once again to start over since January is here. Plus in the winter time it is really hard to do those things when it's cold, and dark at 4:00 in the afternoon....maybe around the end of February when spring is in the air, will I really get into those 'a month after new year's resolutions.'
Really what I am determined to focus on and make as my New Year's Resolution, is to be better.
Be better with my prayers, Be better with my scripture reading, Be a better person, Be an example, Be grateful, Be stronger, Be humble, Live Simply, and most of all Be Faithful.
The army didn't have a bad idea when they say "Be all that you can be." I want to be all that I can be. I do have potential, and in the end I want to be able to say that I have been all that I can be.
Just a little shout out to the family. We love you guys and miss you.
Most of all HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Happy Holidays~ We're going on Holiday!

Twas the night before our big adventure....

This year for Christmas Bruce and I are going to South Africa to spend Christmas with his family...I should say OUR family since they are my in-laws.
We are really looking forward to spending time with them, and we're not going to lie......we are especially looking foward to experiencing some hot, sunny weather! HMMM... Spending the holidays at the beach, now that sounds great! :)
We are so thankful that we are able to go visit South Africa. It's going to be quite the trip, but worth it. Tomorrow we fly out of London to Dubai. Then after a 6 hour layover, we will then fly to Johannesburg. From Johannesburg we will then rent a car and drive down to Port Elizabeth.

Total trip hours: Around 72 hours. All I can say, is bring it on! We'll see how I feel once we ge there. :)

We hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday Season and that the true meaning and spirit of Christmas is felt throughout the month and into the New Year!

A Time Of Thanks

Well here it is, a day late of Thanksgiving, but I think it's never too late to give thanks and express gratitude.

There are so many things that I am thankful for in my life. So many things Bruce and I are thankful for.

First of all we are thankful for the amazing family that we have. We don't know what we would do without their love and support. We love you guys!!

We are so thankful for the Gospel, for the peace it brings to our lives. We are thankful for the knowledge that families can be together forever.

We are very thankful for technology and the access we have at our fingetips to communicate and even open doors all across the world.

We are thankful for all of those little stumbling blocks in our lives to remind us of what we do have. We take so many things for granted, and are grateful for life's little reminders that we are human, and it's not always easy! :)

We hope that everyone has had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and that it has been a great start for the upcoming holidays.

Double Agent: van der Riet

Sometimes I feel like I am living a double life because always in the back of my mind I am thinking about two time zones. The one we are in now, which is seven hours difference to the Mountain Time Zone, where my family and friends are. ( Man it can be exhausting at times :) )
I won't lie either when I say that I kind of wish I WAS living a double life, and could be in two places at one time. Here and Home.

On Sunday we had our Stake Conference. It took an hour to get there, and an hour to get home, plus add time to it all to make sure we get there on time etc. In total it was about six hours. Now don't get me wrong, I am not complaining at all. I mention it because it made me think of all of the saints in the past and now (the present) who have to travel quite a distance to get to church or go to the temple, or for example the pioneer children who sang as they "walked and walked and walked and walked." I am thankful for all of their examples.

Nothing too exciting has happened this week, but I have had the opportunity to be a supply teacher at two schools. I am thankful for the experiences I have had in the different schools, being around teachers and students from all over the world. One school I worked in, the majority of the students were Muslim or Hindu. What an incredible experience it was.

Next week I will be thinking of everyone as Thanksgiving approaches. I will save my "thank you's" until then, but just a little shout out to my family to say how much I love and appreciate them.

It's Wednesday, and we're halfway through! I hope you have a good rest of the week.

The 11th Day of the 11th Month

November 11th is a special day no matter where you are. In the States, it is Veteran's Day. Here in England it is Remembrance Day. It is a day to remember all those men and women who were killed during the two World Wars and conflicts.

Since the month of November started, the two things that have stood out the most, are Poppy's and fireworks. The fireworks are for Guy Fawkes Day or is also called Bonfire Day/Night or something like that. So that is a little bit of history for the week. :)

One thought that has been constant on my mind is: FAMILIES

I don't know about you, but my family means the world to me. Being away from them is really hard. They are a constant support and I am so thankful for all they do for me. I have my own little family as well, that consists of just Bruce and I. I am so thankful for an eternal companion, and a best friend. Then I have my ward family, and my friends, who are a bit of a family as well. I am so thankful for all of those people in my life. I am also so thankful that I know families can be together forever. The thought of not being able to be with my family or seeing them again is scary.

Sometimes I wish I could just let everyone know and believe that there is a way that we can be together again. For all of those who don't know about the gospel and the wonderful idea that families are forever.

November is flying by, and it's already almost half over. It's scary in a way how fast time is going by. I hope everyone has a fantastic week and take the time to enjoy each and every day.

Your favorite ghoul and boy!

What a stylish couple...dead or alive!! :)

We had a fun weekend here in good old London town. On saturday we went to a party thrown by one of Bruce's friends. Bruce was the "hired" photographer, and he did a fantastic job. As you can see, he actually had a costume, as for me, I just threw on a black cloak and a little makeup and called it good.

Sunday was my birthday, and so after the party we stayed in nice hotel and then went to a movie and dinner. What more can you ask for really.

Plus not to mention that I got to speak to my family and I received so many wishes and e-mails, so thank you!
So here it is, November already. I say this a lot, but where does the time go? It's really true that when you get older, time goes by a lot faster. It just reminds me to take the time and enjoy things while I have them. Not to take advantage of anything, and be thankful everyday for what you have. Hey that's a good way to start off this month...especially with Thanksgiving coming up!

When Life Gives You Lemons....

When life gives you lemons....Make Lemonade!

That is really good advice...except I don't know the recipe for lemonade here yet, and actually lemonade isn't what you think lemonade is here. It's actually sprite. So now I'll have to come up with a better quote to boost the old spirits! =)

Today I did a little blog surfing, and realized I have a lot of work to do to keep up with you master bloggers. But don't you worry, I'll try to get mine as cute and as nice as some other people's who's names I won't mention (Brittany Barnes, Elise Van Orman, Brittany Mason! You guys are too creative!)

I don't know if I have too much to write about today, but I guess I just want to take a moment and tell my family how much I love them. They are all an inspiration to me, and I don't know what I would do without them.

Bruce- I love you. You are such an amazing person, such a hard worker, so patient, strong, and so loving. I don't know what I would do without you. I am so lucky to be your wife, and I'm reminded of that everyday.

John and Elise- I've always looked up to you both. You both have such strong testimonies and know how to make everyone feel special. Thank you for your example. I love you.

Denise, Zack, Kemri, Colter, Bridger, and Zander- I love you guys. Thank you for always being so accepting and loving. Denise thank you for your quotes and strong testimony. Thank you for all of your examples. I love you.

Kristen, Josh, McKenna, Braxton, Nolan, and Jackson- Thank you for all you do. Thank you for always making me smile. For your examples, and for always giving and not asking for anything in return. I love you.

Jason- You are such an amazing person. You are a hard worker and you have such a calm presence. Thanks for being such a great big brother. I love you.

Jordan- You have so much going for you. You are always there to hang out whether you want to or not, and you have a contagious personality. Thanks for being a great brother.

Mom and Dad- I mentioned you last, but you are definitely not least. I couldn't ask for better parents. I am so lucky to have been sent to earth to such a loving family. Thank you for your unconditional love and support. I can't even begin to express how much you mean to me and how much I appreciate all you have done for me throughout my life. I love you.

FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!

Well what do you know....there's my lemonade. I am truly so blessed, and even though hard times and situations happen, it's part of life and it's an opportunity to learn something!

A little bit Country..........A little bit Rock and Roll

The title says it all. On Wednesday Bruce and I went for a drive and we saw a lot of the English Countryside. It was absolutely gorgeous.

Wait a minute, let me just back up for a second.

Anyway, to start off, the last few weeks have been kind of crazy and frustrating, and all that jazz (hey what can you expect when you move to a new country right!) and so in my mind I'm feeling all of those emotions and as we drove through the countryside, I kind of felt peaceful...like "wait a minute I could live in this place!" Then when we were heading back to the city, the more Rock and Roll side of things, I was like "oh yeah - this is where I am living right now." It's like that country song (and no it's not Donny and Marie, even though those are their words..) that says 'You can take the girl out of the Country, but you can't take the country out of the girl.' Well that is me. I'm just a small town girl at heart and I don't think it will ever change.

Other than my heartfelt little story that I have just shared, England truly is a beautiful country, and I do feel very lucky to be here and experience the history and culture. This is something that I will never forget and can't wait to share with my own kids someday. Things are going good, really, and I am looking forward to what the next week has to bring!

I'd like to intoroduce you to Ben...

Well here we are, halfway through October. I can't believe it. It's been a pretty good week. Bruce has been working hard as usual, and still stays so positive! The beginning of the week I had the opportunity to work at an early year's childhood center for two days. It is a place where parents and their children (from ages 6 months - 3 years of age) can come and play together and have meetings and meet other parents in the community. It was fun, and different, and I've been really lucky the past few weeks to help and teach children of all ages. I am thankful for the experience!

Last Saturday Bruce and I headed of to the city to do a little sightseeing. London was just swarming with people (I think the sunshine had a little to do with it) and it just made me wonder where all of these people came from. I think I've had a little bit of a shock as to how many people really are in this city. It's incredible. This city has so much history, and after walking around and taking it all in, it finally hit me after six weeks that 'I am in LONDON!!' Holy cow. I've started a journal and have really wanted to just write down everything, save newspaper clippings, and document this incredible experience.

All in all, we are doing good. Bruce is staying plenty busy, and I am trying to. We miss everyone, and hope that October is treating you all well!!

It's been a long time....

Well here it is. Finally a blog in the month of October. Whether I truly believe it sometimes or not (depending on the day) time really is flying by.

So I'm glad this week is to an end...I really didn't do much sad to say, and so now I can just look forward to next week and hope it's better!

I've been thinking about a lot of things..A LOT =) and the word I think about the most is: SIMPLIFY. Before I always liked it and strived to be better at it, and now I am actually living it in a way. Here I am, in a different country where we each only brought a suitcase and backpack.

We don't have a car, so we walk everywhere or take the bus or train. We don't have a mortgage anymore, and here's the shocking part...in a month, I have only gone shopping twice. TWICE. I'm sure some of you are shocked. I've bought a jacket, and two pairs of dress pants for work.

Ok, so what is my point. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I now realize that I CAN live more simply and should. Not just because I am here in this country and situation, but even if I was home right now, I need to remember what the important things are.

I am so thankful for my amazing family. They are so great. So if you are reading this, this is a shout out to you. I'm also so greatful for my friends and all of those who keep in touch. This weekend Bruce and I are going into the city to take some photos and be tourists for a few hours. I mean it this time, I will have photos.

One thing I do know for sure, is that no matter where you are in the world, the gospel is true. It's the same and constant and is a great comfort. That's my little bit of insight for the week.

I hope everyone has a good weekend, and week coming up!

* Meagan

Welcome Autumn...Goodbye September

So on September 22nd it was officially the first day of 'autumn' here. Well really everywhere, but home it would be the first day of fall. Now if only the trees would get in gear and start showing their pretty colors, it would almost feel like 'autumn.' This is the time of year I love the most. I am definitely thinking about home a lot this time of year because I can only imagine what the mountains look like right now.
So the last week was quite an adventure let me tell you. I got a phone call early Tuesday about being a teacher's assistant for the rest of the week. It was a t a catholic school called Christ the King and I was to work with 3-4 year olds. It turned out to be a lot of fun, and very good experience. The best thing about children is that they love everyone no matter who they are or what they look like. It just reminds me that I need to be that way.
Everyday I am reminded of how many thousands (I guess I should say millions) of people live in this city. It's incredible. People from every walk of life, every background, and all congregated in this one place. I've learned to walk really fast, what side of the street/sidewalk/escalator/stairs to stand on, and to always have everything ready, like money and tickets etc. if you want to be helped.
The weather has been brilliant the last few days. There was a bit of rain in the middle of the week, but the weekends have been so beautiful. I can't believe that September is already almost over. Where does the time go. It's been a long month, but also such a fast one. To think Bruce and I just arrived here about a month ago. All in all, it was a good month. I'm looking forward to what the next few months bring!

London Baby!

Well here it is FINALLY! I have now sat down and actually blogged for once since oh lets say...May! Talk about procrastination. Well now I really have a good excuse. Bruce and I are now in London. We arrived on the 4th of September with the overcast skies and rain welcoming us in. It took a day or two to get over the jet lag, and then it was off to conquer the public transport system.
I'm learning many new words, like 'hob', ''cool drink', 'crumpet' (well just to know what one really looks and tastes like), 'lollies', and 'que' just to name a few. If you are wondering what each of these "brilliant" (another word that is used SO often) words mean, well let me tell you. A hob is a stove. Cool drink refers to basically a cool drink, like soda or juice, or lemonade (which is actually sprite here, but that's another story) etc. A crumpet is actually very tasty and is kind of like an english muffin but softer and chewier...that's not a word. Lollies are sweets or candies, and que means to make a line, or line up. So if you are in the grocery store, you get in que to check out.
Bruce is working with a company he worked for when he previously lived in London, and I am impatiently waiting for my paperwork to go through so I can get a job. I know I've only been here about two weeks, but it's hard to wait. I want to feel productive!
I'm looking forward to exploring more of London, and taking plenty of pictures. Pictures will be posted soon!! I promise. The hardest part is the time difference, especially since my family and I have a 7 hour time difference between us. Other than that, I can't complain too much and I am just staying positive until I start working! Wish us luck. We'll keep you up to date!

I can't believe it is already Saturday. Not to mention the fact that the month of May is already halfway over. I hate getting older. Time goes by way too fast.
Last weekend Bruce and I went to Yellowstone National Park. (check it out on our slideshow) It was incredible. We had the best time, and had the chance to see every animal we wanted to, except a moose. I guess we'll have to find one in Maine then!
We have decided that driving to Maine is not an option anymore. The gas prices are just too insane, and luckily we found a great deal on air tickets (can you believe it) and so we will now be flying. We are leaving around Midnight tonight. I know, I know, talk about short notice, but we can't wait. Let's get this summer started!
On thursday, it was our FOUR year anniversary. Where did the time go? I can't wait to see what the next four....no forty years bring! It's been a fabulous four years, what can I say.
Next Wednesday is Bruce's birthday. I still haven't figured out what to get him, but usually he has already bought him something that can either fly, race, float, or spin....this year it's a gas powered remote control car....let's just say there can't be too much complaining when I come home with a few shopping bags of my own! :)
Have a happy week!

Check out my Slide Show!

The start of a new week!

I guess techinically it could be the end of an old week, but I guess I'm ready to start my week on Sunday, (not to mention that's how all the calendars do it) so here is our new post.
Last week was a crazy week. I'm sure this one will be full of surprises as well.
On Thursday Bruce and I are headed to Yellowstone National Park. From the looks of it it will probably be very cold, and still snowy, but bring on the nature, we need to get away!
After moving out of our house, Bruce and I have decided that we need to live a little more simply. I can't believe all that we have accumulated in four years! Talk about spring cleaning. About all I own I can now fit in a suitcase and a backpack. I never thought that could happen. Give me a few months, and we'll see whether I need to invest in another suitcase or not! :)
Right now we've checked in to the Van Orman bed and breakfast (otherwise known as the parents house) and are heading off to Maine on the 15th. We are having a good time, not to mention excellent home cooked meals, but will be ready to start our adventure soon!
We hope all of your weeks are great ones! Let's keep hoping this sun will keep shining!

Our new blog!

So this is it. Yep, I jumped on the 'ol bandwagon and decided to do the blog thing.
Bruce and I have some exciting plans coming up, so I thought what a better time to start this blog and let everyone know what is happening in the vdR household. Especially if the fam isn't nearby!
Tomorrow is my graduation! Finally my bachelor's degree. Finally a real job right! :) It's also the start of a crazy but exciting month.
Bruce and I are headed off to the east coast on the 15th to once again work at the fantastic Maine Teen Camp. (It's where we met, so it has some sentimental value obviously) Not to mention we get to see our friends and travel!!

Happy May to everyone! May the sun shine and warm our little hearts! Bring on the summer!!