Maryland thus far

We made it to maryland safe & sound.  We shared the truck with Anthony's voice teacher, who had moved to NYC a few weeks previous.  We fit everything but our box spring, pretty impressive if you ask me.  We are forever grateful to Erica & Benjamin and the Robertson family for all their help in the packing and cleaning process.  We really couldn't have done it without you, thank you.

The drive from Oklahoma to Maryland took two days with the weight we were pulling.  Our cats did not fare well.  We had to long-term borrow Erica's large cat crate and sedate the poor things several times throughout the trip.  Every time we stopped at a rest area we'd let Winston & Hemingway out of the crate to stretch their legs too.  Cute little guys

We stopped in Maryland to drop off our stuff, then headed to NYC to drop off Bill's things and return the moving truck.  My poor sweet husband drove a 16ft Penske pulling our car from OK to NYC then had to traipse through Brooklyn and the Bronx on a wild goose chase to return the big yellow beast.  Word to the wise, when a rental agency gives you an address for drop off, call the location itself to be sure it has room for the truck and car dolly.  Just a suggestion.

Now we're settled into our apartment, which is right near Greenbelt lake.  It's about two miles from our house, around the lake and back and isn't too hot or humid first thing in the morning.  Today on our walk we saw lots of turtles, frogs, Orioles, a mamma duck with seven babies, butterflies and wild raspberries.

  

Gorgeous, yes?

Perry and his family were in town for a few days so we got to spend some time with them touring DC.  We spent several hours in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which always encourages me to be a stronger person and fight for what is right.  Sometimes I second guess my abilities as a Social Worker... but touring the memorial reminded me I can make great changes.

We went to the University of Maryland to drop off some paperwork, and Anthony felt right at home.  I'll never understand how that silly boy can like school so much.  He's getting his Doctorate of Opera Performance which means he can also teach at the university level someday when he is done with, or in conjunction with performing.

We also visited the Washington DC temple grounds and visitors center.  There is a model home in the visitors center that plays soft music and soundless video clips of the importance of families, and I had  the most peaceful feeling there.   I'm so grateful for my family and ancestry.  I am forever blessed to have been born into the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Sometimes it is hard for me to fathom that God KNOWS each and every one of us.  He knows my name, my favorite color, my faults, my demons, my stumbling blocks, my treasures, my favorite scriptures  my strengths, my compassion, my love . . . . He knows these things and so much more about each and every one of His children.  Sometimes I forget how much He loves me, but when I pray for guidance or acceptance I have literally felt as if His arms were around me.  What a powerful feeling I forget all too often, but He is willing to show me as many times as I need.  I have felt His presence more than once, and I know you can too.  I am so very grateful for my Heavenly parents and my Earthly parents and Eversole parents.  God is good and He knows just who I need.  In this transition period I've had a hard time adjusting and am so thankful for the texts, phone calls, Skype and other messages I've gotten.  You guys are like the sunshine on my cloudy day.  Thank you for being my family.  I love you.

We also visited Arlington National Cemetery with Perry and his family.  We saw John F. Kennedy's grave and the Eternal Flame.  We were also able to watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  A a solemn and humbling experience.  I am so thankful for the men and women who gave their lives for my freedoms which I take for granted all too often.  I am also thankful for Ian's courage and decision to serve in the Marines.  Thank you for your service. 

On Independence Day we went to Annapolis to watch the parade, hear the United States Naval Academy Band's Concert Band, then watch the fireworks which were launched from a barge in the Annapolis Harbor over the Chesapeake Bay.  

Annapolis is the Sailing Capitol of the World, and we can't wait to go back.... now I just need to make friends with someone who has a boat.

This Sunday was the first real week we've been able to go to church in our new ward here in Maryland.  The first week we just made it to Sacrament Meeting then spent much of the remaining time talking with Bishop Cropper, who happens to be the father of a boy Anthony went to USU with.  Small world.  The next week we were out of town and the week after that Anthony sang at a Presbyterian church which had a wedding as part of the sermon.  Strange, I know, but beautiful none the less.  During one of the prayers the pastor reminded every committed couple in the congregation to make an effort to have a happier and stronger marriage.  Good stuff.  Back to our ward, it is amazing.  It is very ethnically diverse with several missionaries and everyone was so welcoming, more so than I have ever experienced.

We signed up to feed the missionaries this week, the Elders today and the Sisters on Wednesday.  We decided to make Clam Chowder for the Elders and went up to Annapolis to get some fresh clams for our venture.  Did you know clams squeak when you cook them?  It's kind of sad, but oh so yummy.

We ended up having spinach salad, watermelon, Clam Chowder and Salted Caramel Lava Cakes with ice cream.  The meal was a success with no left overs.  Let me just tell you, the chowder recipe is pretty phenomenal already (thanks Erica) but the fresh clams sure made it even better.

After the meal we had a spiritual message where we committed to more frequent temple attendance and to take a friend/family to the Visitors Center, which is by the temple.

The missionaries, Elder Parker and Elder Farley, were fabulous and we enjoyed singing at the piano with them after the spiritual message.

So, that is what has been going on around here.  You are welcome to visit us whenever you like, our couch is super comfy and the Metro station which goes into DC is only about a mile from our house.  Come on, you know you want to!!

In the mean time...