Lamplugh Family

Blessings of Spring!

2011-04-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

Hurray baby!! I love, love, love being pregnant and can't wait to meet this special boy.

Spring here seems to last forever, and seems to always come right when we need it.

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A chance to see the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. So beautiful and touching, especially as we remember our friends in Japan.

Blessings of Spring!

2011-04-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

Birthday time!! Weston's Bday is especially noteworthy: Goodbye 20's!

March Adventures!

2011-03-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

Before going to the temple, we went to Arlington National Cemetery to find his great-uncle and aunt's grave site. Truly a humbling place.

Weston submitted 2 paintings to a show held in the D.C. Temple Visitor Center and they were both accepted! It was such a blessing and a really amazing exhibit. Paintings, sculptures, etc. came from all over the world. Here is one we both really love from Rose(de tac dahl?)of Adam and Eve. The theme was "Fulfilling the Vision"

Hurray! Here are Weston's paintings: "That Man Might Be," a vital moment in our Heavenly Father's plan for His children, and "Washington D.C. Temple" (below)--a place we remember who we are, Whose we are, where we are going, and are eternally linked through Christ, to our families forever.

Williamsburg: The original church built in 1715 and still in use for services today! It was tied to the University (the lead Priest/Minister was also president of the school...sounds inspired...and familiar).

This is where I need to go when I start to get whiney...my life is good!

Oh, to go back in time and live in Williamsburg for a spell (though I'm most grateful to have an umbrella)! The homes are so beautiful! We had a blast walking, and meandering on a quiet day.

At one end of the 1 mile stretch: College of William and Mary, est. 1693. This is where Thomas Jefferson attended college and where many pivotal minds and debates for the Revolutionary war began.

Monkey bread made by the fire! Too bad it tasted like charcoal briquettes...

Hurray for camping! Weston got a good blaze going in the freezing cold--that's my Eagle Scout!

Spring break and amazing history--a jolly good time for some heel clicking!

On the pier over the Atlantic where one of the most important battles occurred in the history of the United States at Yorktown.

Statue erected 100 yrs after the surrender at Yorktown to remember one new nation and signify peace. "The best of all works--the work of peace" -Benjamin Franklin

The battleground of Yorktown

Sunset at our campground. Twas freezing and lovely!

Februray Happies

2011-03-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

Valentine's Day!

Baby was about this big on Valentines! We love our little peanut and he apparently wanted to say "hello!"

Belly not quite fitting into normal clothes--whipping out my first maternity dress for the occassion!

We had a simple Valentine's Day at home after a crazy weekend and work day! I surprised Weston by turning the living room into dining room (which is easy when all you have to move is a card table!), and making knock-off Olive Garden recipes!

Cute they are

Inspired by a Young Women's activity, Valentine treats for friends took on a new look: Dessert sushi! So fun!

CATCH-UP TIME!!

2011-02-08T16:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, so some of us are blog slackers. BUT, we know have internet (ba ha haa)and now, there are no more excuses. So sad. Not that there was too much happening at any rate! For family and sake of catching up a bit, here are some fun and important moments from 2010.

Reap what you sow?

2010-07-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

We planted a garden behind our church this year with other friends and neighbors. Most of the plants, we inherited from people who had too many...and weren't sure what the plants were by the time we got them!
BEFORE (gotta love the official, dad-ish gardening hat)

AFTER
Thus far we are happy to discover watermelon, cantaloupe, zuchini, crooknecked/butternut squash...and so are the "wascaly wabbits!" Too cute to kill. At least something is enjoying the squashi :)

Gardening with friends!

Baby rotation time with Pearl! Precious.

JULY

2010-07-11T19:24:00.001-07:00

Happy Independence Day! A favorite, family holiday for us. We are so blessed to live here in the United States--a gift and opportunity and responsibility to bless others with what we have been given.

Feeling country never felt so good as we went to pick berries! Our neighbors were awesome and not only gave us buckets and bushes to go crazy with, but invited us in for most yummy homemade scones!

Bluberries and Currents (sp?)--later turned into a late night whim of current, rhubarb (our first exposure) and blueberry jam! Such fun.

One of our friends and most ADORABLE berry picker ever! Love those bare feet!

Amazing chilli cheese burgers with the Platz family--a HOT 4th of July weekend

JUNE

2010-07-11T18:43:00.001-07:00

Girls Camp! Our theme this year was "Spiritual Gifts within you" which correlated with the Young Women value, "Individual Worth." It was my first year as a camp director for our ward and I absolutely LOVED it!! Being around these amazing girls was truly a privilege and fortified my testimony that we are all sons and daughters of a loving Father in Heaven.

There is something about swatting ticks, braving snakes, befriending cute goats (random but true), being away from distraction, studying the scriptures/praying together, and sharing testimony in word and action that builds friendships and our personal relationship with the Savior is a beautiful, powerful way. I can't wait for next year!

Weston was a gem and volunteered to be one of the priesthood leaders for the 3rd year overnight hike on the Appalachain. Keeping up with the girlses is not always easy! I was happy to seem him (even in my nastified,greasy state)! IT's the longest we've been apart since our marriage.

spring babies!

2010-04-24T16:48:00.001-07:00

A delight to celebrate the birth of the ones we love!

March began a LOT of Birthdays in our family--and our first together! Weston made me breakfast in bed (hash browns from scratch!) and we enjoyed the sunshine at the park with a scripture and sport-fun picnic. :)

Weston and I got to "Skype" with his family on his Birthday. Instead of going out, we ate a special meal in: Homemade german chocolate cake (and frosting--an adventure) and salmon. A dear Bishop and his wife even provided the perfect plate we plan on using for Bday "red plate specials." It's happy.

17th: A happy day indeed!

2010-03-17T11:26:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! March 17th is not just a day to wear green, remember Irish saints, and enjoy a jolly, romping Irish Fling, but the day my beautiful mother, Cathy, was born. It is true in every way when I say that I would not be here without her. Her example and wisdom has led me through countless life choices, and I am forever grateful that Heavenly Father sent me to her--my mother, my friend. Her legacy, her testimony, her love are with me wherever I go; for I am my mother's daughter. I love you Mom!

A small world means a lot

2010-03-10T16:32:00.000-08:00

In 2007, I was blessed to be a part of Healing Hands for Haiti. It was a joyful, sacred, revealing and irreplaceable experience that taught me so much--most especially through the children. Since the earthquake in January, my thoughts are often filled with the memory of beautiful children and friends I had the opportunity to meet, to hold, to laugh with. I've only heard from one friend and wonder if those children are known; of they are okay. We all want to to more.

Another earthquake in Chile made this place we call home even smaller as it affected the very heart of the mission my husband served in for 2 years. He has been able to contact a couple of friends there and the need is still very great. We are continually grateful for the people the Lord has placed in our lives and hope to never take anything, anyone for granted. We are grateful for experiences that make the world a small place--as it should be.

To donate funds to Haiti, Chile, Taiwan, Turkey, or Japan, click on the link BELOW:
LDS Philanthropies Home

Catch-Up!

2010-02-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

BACK TO FIRST GRADE
For a couple months I had the opportunity to go back to one of my favorite places: FIRST GRADE!! I worked as an aide in Special Education to the most adorable, happy, sweet 7 yr. old on the planet who took all of a day to fall in love with! He makes me happy and I am forever grateful to have him as my friend. :)

The sounds and joys of the season!

2010-01-02T17:57:00.001-08:00

Weston and I have been working in nursery since September and just saw our class graduate into nursery this new year. They teach us a lot and are so precious to be with every Sunday! We talked about reverence recently and brought a camera so they could see themselves being reverent. Here is one sweetheart's interpretation. :)
A lovely trip during the break to the Raleigh, NC temple.
We were privileged to have the missionaries over for dinner! They are such happy, good, and wonderful young men who love the Lord! They are wonderful examples of why we are here and bring a lovely spirit into our home.
Heading to our friend's home, the Mizell Family, for Christmas dinner. Such wonderful people to celebrate with! PLUS their beautiful farm home in the hills of Virginia...so picturesque.
We love traditions! Our new family Christmas tradition begins here Christmas morning, at our nativity (from Haiti). Stars will guide each family member to the nativity where we will present and share our gift (written, colored, or what not on Christmas Eve) to the Savior for the coming year.

A gift from a thoughtful nephew and sister. We had was too much fun! I love Weston's face of concentration--it takes opposable thumb skill!

Ah, our first Christmas. It was so wonderful just to be together! We got an early start--I couldn't sleep all night!--and enjoyed being able to call family and hearing all the happy chaos in the background: the sound of home. We missed being there, but are so grateful for the missing. It just means we love you!

Some views of Christmas in our apartment. Don't miss the snow falling from the ceiling! :)

A fun tradition: Christmas apple-making. Thanks Diana for starting the trend all those years ago!

Christmas Eve we went to a lovely Fireside at the church and came home for our turkey dinner. It was nice to build off our own family traditions that evening, and begin some of our own.
The dinner...ta daaa!
We LOVED each of our thoughtful and cute Christmas cards! Thank you!
We used the apples we canned for this apple pie! Despite a serendiptous lapse--I forgot to add sugar (who does that!)--it turned out quite tastey :).

SNOW!!! We were so happy to discover for the first time in 10 years, VA would have a White Christmas! It was so beautiful and we LOVED being snowed in! Being snowed in created a lot of opportunities for everyone to slow down and meet, help their neighbors. It was such a blast to see cars squealing and all these people coming out in their lounge wear to push/help a neighbor, strangers no more.

Virginians were not equipped. Shoveling supplies consisted of cookie sheets, buckets, and dust pans.

By the time we were done digging out our car and 4 others, our enthusiasm to build a snow sculpture began to fade...so we settled for the tower created by the lovely snow that once covered our car and parking space.

We made a lot of German pancakes over the break--they just sounded good to us. this batch however, went awry...yikes. It was our last batch.
I wanted to make our stockings, so I made a pattern and a font template out of newspaper and had a lot of fun! They're not totally complete --or identical...but hey, we're all different! :)
Our finished tree. Ball of fire! We had random things to decorate and some happy memory ornaments from dear friends to use.

Little does this smiley girl know she is allergic to this type of pine...that was an adventure, but worth it :) Quote, "My hands feel kinda of weird...tingly...AHH!" No Scottish pine next year...unless gloves are used whilst decorate.

We were soooooooo happy--okay, me especially--that we could go Christmas tree shopping together! So much fun, and such a cute tree :) We went late in the season and I'm glad the tree got to fulfill it's Christmas destiny!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-22T07:55:00.000-08:00

In case we lose power with all the snow, or don't get to use the internet, we want you to know we love you! Merry Christmas! We are grateful for the gift you are, and for the gift of every season that is here because of Jesus Christ.

A Season of Thanks: NOVEMBER 2009

2009-12-05T11:38:00.000-08:00

We made a point to go into NYC just a few minutes away. It was Weston's first time and we had a blast just walking around...on black Friday...We also went to go to the Manhattan Temple which was the highlight for us.

Central Park made it into our "top 3" of things to do/explore in the city. Beautiful and fun! We're excited to go back.

The weirdest thing seen was a Persian cat on a leash for a walk, wearing a sweater. I don't think it was very happy though because it tried to take sudden jump off a bridge! Still, impressive.
Times Square
Hurray for M&M's! I wanted to pull every lever!
Manhattan Temple (right across from Juliard!)A ride on the carousel--a piece of history--with the family! Spencer cried the whole time! :)
An unquenchable love for soft and squishy animal toys!
The name speaks for itself..we just had to peak and see what all the hype is about...
One of our favorite buildings (also VERY historic): NY Public Library! Inscribed on the wall was, "A good book is the precious life blood of a Master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life"
St. Patrick's cathedral. A beautiful place to stop, think, and rest our aching feet!

Hurray for big trees at the Rockefellar Plaza!
Weston and I enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving and are grateful for a season that reminds us to of the many ways that God has blessed our lives. We had the opportunity to go to New Jersey and spend the holiday with my sister Linda, and her family! It was completely delightful and they were so good to us.

Too good. Scott and Linda refused to let us sleep on an air mattress. Check out the our "Chateau 193 Suite" they made--portable DVD player, gourmet chocolate, tourist info., amenities, and refrigerator included!

Weston was given the carving privilege...wow!An incredible Thanksgiving feast--can't be too bad when your bro-in-law is a chef!

My AMAZING and darling nephew, Spencer. We had a great time together!
Weston played some Turkey ball with Linda and Scott's home ward and other friends. I was the proud wife of a '2 touch downs' player :) The wet grass was a great athletic equalizer and made watching a lot of fun!

Happy Day, EASY BREAD!

2009-11-19T19:03:00.000-08:00

Dear friends of domestic enjoyments,
Please enjoy the easiest (and very yummy) bread recipe I recently discovered from a woman in my ward. I've made many different recipes, and this is so simple!! No kneading required! It's true. Much less messy! It's one of my Christmas miracle. :)

P.S. This doesn't take as long as the directions look. Don't get intimidated!

Use plastic bowl if available. Makes 4 large loaves (white or multi-grain)
5 cups hot water
2 T salt
2/3 c. sugar (or about 1/2 c. honey)
2/3 c. oil
1/2 c. bread flour
STIR 1 MINUTE
3 T yeast
STIR 1 MINUTE
10 c. bread flour
---if doing a multi-grain bread--i.e. whole wheat, cracked wheat, cornmeal, oatmeal, wheat bran, barley flour, mashed potatoes, etc.--use any combo but be sure 5c. of the 10 are bread flour.
STIR UNTIL MIXED
RAISE in warm place for 20 minutes
DUMP dough onto an oiled counter and divide into 4 parts and squish briefly into cucumber shape
ROLL very flat (about cardboard width) on oiled surface (with oiled rolling pin). It's best to start in the middle and do 1/2 at a time, going length-wise
ROLL up the dough like a cinnamon roll
PLACE in sprayed loaf pans with seam down
RAISE 20 min. at lowest oven setting
BAKE at 325 for 30 minutes
REMOVE bread from pans
COOL bread on towel
CUT with electric or good serrated knife

Hurray for bread-making...and eating!

2009-11-12T13:09:00.000-08:00

Here be one of the most beautiful Fall trees that I have ever seen! So beautiful! It put me into my over-enthusiastic raptures of nature, so we FINALLY stopped to take pictures. Unfortunately, I tried using a film camera, so here are some that turned out on Wes' camera.

Ah, the bliss of Fall! Here are a few pictures to make you happy inside.Our friends Amber and Kevin Mizell have been so nice at welcoming us to the area! They invited us on an impromptu hike to Bald and Rocky Knob. Here, Kevin is with his ADORABLE hiking buddy, Oskar. It's impossible to get too many pictures of that insanely cute baby boy.

Behold, The Oskar. As one so well put it: It looks like he's trying to hug the whole world! And, it does. He's a gem.

Endless green, rolling hills, farmland, trees, silhouettes...[sigh]

FALL FESTIVITIES

2009-11-12T12:53:00.000-08:00

Sandwich bread, or brick laying? Amazing what an extra 30 minutes in the oven will do...I was baking bread for the week until 2am and fell fast asleep (even through my backup alarm) on the floor. Oi.
HALLOWEEN! A bunch of couples in the ward were invited for a night of games and treats. I was a repeat costume--Funshine Bear! Why? Carebears: They care. Felt is cheap and does wonders. Weston was...well, you'll see.
Just an ordinary, awkward boy...or...
dun du DAAAAAA, da da da DUN da daaaaa!
He's too good at this... I knew it!

SEPTEMBER 2009: Lessons of Liberty!

2009-11-02T14:51:00.001-08:00

OUR FIRST, HISTORICAL Adventure: Thomas Jefferson's, Monticello. This was his favorite place in the world. He grew up here as a boy then eventually decided to study architecture a bit so he could build his own house. This more well-known view is the back where guests would roam the lawns and gardens.

After a short video, we chose to walk 0.5 miles up to Monticello. The trees were so dense, old, and felt full of history! An enchanting walk.
Thomas Jefferson's head stone--I love how it was the brightest one in the sunlight! He is surrounded by family members and friends

This man studied much more than I knew. The thirst for learning is inspiring. Jefferson had gardens galore! Here's an attempted photo. This garden was wide and about 1/4 mile long at least.
Ah, how lovely and romantic is a LONG trelace of beautiful flowers and sweet peas?

An overlook built along the edge of the garden into the valley below.
A better view of where Weston was sitting
The back porch of Monticello
A favorite. Weston and Monticello reflected in the fish pond (catch a bunch of fish, stick them in a pond close to the house, then get the one you want for dinner! Brilliant! Now-a-days that's a 4-star restaurant)
AT LAST, our first trip into our Nation's capital: WASHINGTON, D.C.! We took the opportunity to extend our temple trip and train it into the city the following day. It was so amazing and we can't wait to go back! It would take weeks to really see the "ins and outs" of this inspiring place.

The Washington Monument pictured behind the beautiful WWII Memorial
Hmm, until the kids are grown or people are close by, most our pictures will look like this. Weston's really good at getting the object behind our hugemangous noggins.
Learning from Amelia Earhart
The Spirit of St. Louis! This tiny thing flew non-stop across the Atlantic--without cruise control.

Wow, how things have grown!
One of my favorites. The Lincoln Memorial was a reverent and inspiring place. It was easy to feel and see the Lord's hand in instituting this Nation for His eternal purposes.
View Lincoln Memorial from the Washington Monument
At last! The White House! There was some kind of even going on it seems, so of course the tent was bam, right there :) We could see the bee hives and garden that Michelle Obama put in. Pretty amazing to be there!
The World War II Memorial was another very inspiring place to be. Some veterans of that war were visiting the same day. Very touching.

The Sculpture Gardens. This serious bunny-thinker was my particular favorite there. Ah, it makes me happy!
WOW oh WOW!! We had no idea the Art Museum at the National Mall was so HUGE and contained so many incredible works of art. Weston, the painter, was in art history heaven. We could spend hours there, so we just stayed in the French art section. MONET--"I've seen paintings of that painting"--here it is!
One of my favorite Monet's. A cottage in early morning. Beautiful flowers. Country. A pregnant wife saying goodbye to her husband for the day. Beautiful!

AUGUST: Arrival and New Beginnings

2009-10-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

Our second weekend here we went up to the temple in our district: Washington D.C. Our Bishop invited us to drive up with him and his wife (nearly 5 hours one way!) for our first trip. The drive is worth it in every way. It was beautiful to again feel the peace and joy of the temple. We felt right at home and so grateful to be as near as we are.

Virginia Tech campus: Founded in 1872 (Blacksburg was founded in 1798).

Weston's first day of graduate school. Hurray!

First thing to come together (almost): The kitchen of course...er extended closet...Everything at arms reach! Yea for cooking!

It took a few days for the truck to arrive, but when it did, along came 13 people from our Ward who heard of our need to help us move! They made us feel so welcome and supported! Together, it only took an hour to move in our boxes. Without them, it would likely have taken us 2 back braces and 2-3 days!

Road Trip!

2009-10-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

Moving from Utah to Virginia was a 35 hour road trip, but it went surprisingly fast! Everyday there was something beautiful to see (in addition to a LOT of corn).
The St. Louis Arch!

Due to unfortunate events, I had to wear Weston's shorts and apparently, they were too short (though sadly, they fit :P )! So don't judge me. Eek, that was a long day...! No, this pod did not take us to the mother ship. We couldn't resist a picture. This tiny white pea-pod thing took us up to the top of the arch!

We visited Kanesville, Iowa which holds historical reference to my life (where England immigrant, great-great-great Grandpa George Whitaker married his wife as they were crossing the plains), but to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (where Brigham Young officially became second Prophet and President). Pictured is the side of the tabernacle (a genius structure for its time and circumstance!).

Winter Quarters Visitor Center (where Weston's sister is serving her mission), the temple grounds (right off the Winter Quarters cemetery which is beautiful), and Liberty Jail are other places we had the privilege of visiting. Each place had a very reverent, solemn, and peaceful spirit. We were very touched by the many known and unknown lives that lived with faith, love, and believing hearts. One can't help but want to live a more devoted, Christ-like life.

A Time to Play and a Time to Pack

2009-10-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

VIRGINIA OR BUST, August 2009: After our wonderful first 3 months of marriage, it was time to say goodbye to our first home and our loving family and friends to move back East for Weston's graduate program (Architecture) at Virginia Tech.

Our first happy home. Thank you for your help Grandma Richards! We miss living close by!

Moving took more time and work than expected. We could NOT have finished in time without the help of our amazing family (special thanks to my Mom and Diana who came and did what I could not when I was sick), and beautiful friends! Casey Gleave, Laura and Scott Bowles, Jessie, and my Alta wonderwomen were literal ANGELS in our messiest hours--THANK YOU!
Don't work too hard boys!
Before the move...Home Sweet Home.
Gotta love the furnishings--and borrowed at that! :)Spoiled with a great big kitchen AND a husband who is always surprising me by impromptu dish washing! So sweet!

SUMMER VIGNETTES: This was the summer of family, friends, and reunions! In short: Absolutely amazing! It flew by insanely fast. It was also a summer of funky health for me--ah adventures! Weston has been an incredible support at new and often hard things. These pictures come from Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah.

Goo~ There are more pictures I has added, but my computer is being funny. So, imagine more amazing family and smiling faces...

West and his Nacho Libre smile Our brave 3 yr. old niece LOVES this thing! "Again?"

For Time and Eternity: Introducing the Lamplugh Family

2009-09-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

May 22, 2009

2009-09-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome Family and Friends! At risk of being completely dull, Weston and I have decided to start our official blog--our first born as it were. We are enjoying life in Virginia and have already seen the hand of the Lord greatly bless our lives in many ways. We hope you know how much we love and appreciate you! We love you all very much.