Tender Mercies

Most recently Mom came to visit me in Provo and stayed for a few days and we had some very needed "Momma and Annie time." Dad had to go on a business trip and Mom didn't want to be home by herself so she very conveniently found a flight that left right before Dad and got in right after Dad, it worked out perfectly. We went to the gym together, shopping, Payson Temple open house, went to the movies..twice, sat on my bed and talked just like old times and went to lunch with friends. This woman is my best friend and always will be, having her here was exactly what I needed. Love you tons and tons forever Mom!

^^ One negative of having long hair, taking pictures when the wind is out of control is almost impossible, but I think this one turned out just right. 

While at the Payson Temple open house we met these two amazing individuals. This is Robert and Sally. We were sitting in the chapel across the street watching the introduction video before entering into the temple and Mom leaned over to me and said, I think that this couple sitting next to me is signing. I quickly looked over and could see them signing back and forth to each other. The video finished and we began our walk over to the temple. I jumped at the opportunity and I walked up to Robert and Sally and signed to them, "This wind is crazy! I hope that it doesn't pour rain on us again right now!" They both got a huge smile on their face and the conversation continued. I introduced myself and Mom and gave them a little of background about myself, that I was a Deaf Education major at UVU and that my Mom was here visiting from Southern California. They told me that they wanted to come to the open house but the only time that they could get an interpreter was that weekend at the most inconvenient times so they said forget it and came when was convenient to them and came without an interpreter. They then asked me if I could interpret for them inside the temple. I got wide eyed and said, "I'm not sure I'd do the best job for you so I'm not sure that you want me to do that, but I could sure try!" They assured me and said that I would do just fine! 

I ended up interpreting for and chatting with for Robert and Sally during the whole tour of the temple.  I would let them know the little facts about details in the different rooms, ask questions to the workers that they had, and anything that they wanted to know. They were very interested to know about my life and what I was doing, why I chose ASL as a profession, how long I had been signing etc. They were such delightful people to talk to. 

We finished the open house and walked to the front of the temple for pictures. Before saying goodbye Robert again told me how grateful they were for me and that I chose today to come to the open house, that I was there for them. We all came to the agreement that we were all in the right place at the right time and that we were guided by the spirit. They left and I stood in front of the temple with my arms folded and tears flooded my eyes. Have you ever heard about missionaries that go on foreign speaking missions that all of a sudden have this moment where they are speaking the language fluently to someone with no trouble at all and once the conversation is over they stand there and think, "That was me, I just did that? What? I didn't realize that I knew all that!" My moment where tears flooded my eyes was exactly that!

The couple days before the open house I had been second guessing my ASL ability, my decision to change my major and having difficulty in trying to decide which way I would go with my degree. After meeting Robert and Sally, after having this experience, I know for surety that I am in the right place. I felt as if they weren't my hands, felt as if the spirit was guiding me through every sign. I was there to serve, I was needed, I was important to them. I felt that the hands of the Lord were guiding mine. 

I can talk with my hands, can you?

Surprise!!

After Easter weekend I went back to Riverside with Mom and Dad for my spring break and spent time with them while Aaron was still in school here in Provo. I came back late on Friday and Aaron and his friend Chase were going to be picking me up at the Salt Lake airport around midnight. My flight got in on time but we sat outside the gate for about an hour. I was texting Aaron and he said, "You're flying into the Provo airport right?" I just shook my head and told him, "No Aaron, Im in SLC!" He was quite embarrassed, or at least I thought and told me that they were on their way to SLC and they would be there in no time and that I wouldn't need to wait that long. The conversation continued and I settled with the fact that I'd be sitting in the airport for probably the next hour. I was then told that they were stuck in traffic in Lehi and that it would be longer than they thought. 

Eventually I got off the plane and made my way to baggage claim. I got to baggage claim very bummed because I was going to be sitting for the next hour and a half or so. I looked up and saw Chase.. wait what? Uhh Chase? He said, "turn around" and I found Aaron standing behind me in the distance holding a bouquet of flowers!! 

YOU GOT ME! I had believed every word that he told me and I was very surprised and couldn't help but have a permanent grin plastered on my face. He sure knows how to surprise a girl! :) 

Molly Baby Blessing

During General Conference weekend which was also Easter weekend the whole McKell family gathered in Utah for the blessing of Adam and Christy's beautiful baby Molly McKell. It was so great to have everyone in one spot again. We were able to all watch conference together, which after thinking about it for a while, I think that the last time that happened was before Adam left on his mission. I feel so blessed to have such an amazing family. Having us all together is something that doesn't happen very often but when it does it is thee greatest thing to be surrounded by those you love. We enjoy every minute, every laugh, every adventure and dread the goodbyes. 

In between the blessing and watching conference we all ended up in the backyard to take family pictures. Taking pictures in the McKell family is an interesting thing. 

^^ There was dirt on Austin's pants and Aaron H. was of course just helping a guy out! We all sure got a kick out of it. 

^^ Grandpa, Pops, Grand Pappy.. we haven't settled on a name for Dad yet.. Suggestions?

^^ Look at Eleanor cheesing with those little teeth!

^^ Just cannot resist Eleanor's cheeks!

^^ Trying to get Austin to smile normal for pictures sometimes is a little bit of a task

^^ But he eventually comes around! Such a beautiful couple!

^^ The family sure is growing!

I cannot wait until we are all reunited again in July for our family reunion! Missing them!

Cabin Trip

Seems like the whole "catching up" blog post is happening quite too often for me. The last time I posted was in the beginning of March and we are now getting to the end of May! I certainly need to get better at this. To say that many things have happened in the almost three months since I last posted is an understatement! The next couple blog posts will be me trying to bring you up to speed on the life of Annie Claire McKell, and all the exciting things that are happening.

After my car was finally fixed after that craziness that is documented in my last blog post..My boyfriend, Aaron Hewlett (gets a little bit confusing because we also have an Aaron McKell.. hope you don't get lost!) and I went up to their cabin in Kamas and I very quickly fell in love with the scenery! I grew up in Riverside,California which unfortunately doesn't have much "greenery." I do love the beach but there is something about being up in the mountains at a cabin that gives me chills. We stayed for the day and had all sorts of adventures. We went on four wheeler rides (I called them Quads growing up but I have been very kindly corrected by the Hewlett family that they are called four wheelers, must be a California thing), watched the sun set, took pictures, sat by the fireplace, adventured at the river, ate frozen pizza and watched the stars. So much excitement in such little time. I felt as if we left the world behind and time stopped.

^^ I was introduced to this wonderful place called "High Mountain." It is a quaint little diner in Kamas that serves burgers fries and shakes. I was blown away, it was delicious! Without fail Aaron will order his chocolate, Oreo and banana shake that he inhales every time while I'm still struggling to finish my burger because its so big!

^^ Snow angels in the summer

^^ He was trying to find places where he could cross over the river and not break through the ice. I was sure that he would break through and end up in the water but sure enough, he only walked away with just one wet shoe haha

^^ Holy wow! 

^^ Aaron is a miracle worker when it comes to setting the camera up on self timer

^^ Doesn't that give you chills!?

^^ Tried to go up the hill on the snow but as you can see.. we just went straight forward into a pile of snow and we were not successful. 

^^ Thawing out my frozen toes

The cabin is such an amazing place. There is no service there and it forces you to breathe in the fresh air and completely decompress. We are going up again for the Memorial Day weekend with the whole Hewlett extended family and I am very excited for more adventures.