Heaven smells like...

I don't know too much about what the life after this one will be like, but there is one thing I know for certain; Heaven will smell like Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

We were enjoying dinner together last weekend when I informed my mother that I had been having doughnut cravings (weird for me, because I usually don't like the things). And before I knew it we were on our way to Krispy Kreme -- because that is just the type of mother my mom is.

Have you ever been inside a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts store? I hadn't been until that night and oh my goodness. It smelled so good! I swear that if I could somehow bottle up that scent and bring it home with me and use it for purposes of scenting my own home, I would. Since that obviously isn't possible we did the next best thing, brought home a dozen of our own. That night we stayed up way to late, and ate way to many doughnuts.

It was a very good night. So good, that I am seriously considering asking my husband for another late night doughnut run tonight. Yum!

Letters to my Parents, the International Travelers: #3

I realize that it has been a while since my last letter to you, and I do apologize. It's been a very busy week around here. And when I say busy I do mean nothing nearly as busy as yours, of course. While it's true that I've been busy with cooking and cleaning and errands and social events and church callings, (you know, normal house-wifery) you two have been busy traveling through Europe. Let's have a quick re-cap of this weeks travels, shall we?

The Trevi Fountain, Italy

When we last spoke, you were enjoying Austria. From Austria you made your way south to Italy. Did you visit the Trevi Fountain? Did you toss in a coin?

Did you make a wish? Has it come true?

And how was Vatican City? Did you see the Pope?

And what about the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

And the Colosseum?

Oh boy. And to think you did all of that in just a few days. I'm tired just thinking about it.

After a few days in Italy you moved across the map to Switzerland. When I think Switzerland I think yodeling. And really good chocolate. Oh, and Disneyland. Like the Matterhorn, you know? I imagine the real one is quite a bit more majestic.

And as of our phone conversation this morning you were enjoying springtime in Paris! I liked hearing that Dad pretends to have conversations with people in French, even though he doesn't speak more than 2 words of the language. I should be able to help you in this department, as I took 3 years of French in high school. But I can't, since all I bothered to really learn and commit to memory during those 3 years was

"Bonjour, mon nom est Rebecca. Je suis et l'etudiant Americain, et je veux embrasser un garcon Francais. Aeriez-vous m'embrasser, aussi?"

But don't say that to anybody there. Not unless you want to be kissed by a french boy...

Tonight you are going to have dinner at the Eiffel Tower, and then end your evening with a tour through the city on a horse drawn carriage. I have only one word. Dreamy.

Please enjoy the remainder of your vacation. Try not to miss us too much. Be safe. We love you!

Love,

The Speakmans

p.s. Thank you very much for picking up the thing I requested from Paris. This makes me happy. I'll not go into detail here, as it is something of a personal item...

Letters to my Parents, the International Travelers: #2

Dear Mom and Dad,

It was so nice to talk to you both again this morning (or late evening, to you). I was happy to hear you enjoyed your time in Germany. And how exciting for you to be able to stay right at the foot of Neuscwanstein Castle. What a way to end your time there. Was Dad sad to say good-bye to his beloved Germany again? If so, I imagine he'll get over it in no time since your vacation has now taken you south-west to AUSTRIA!

I have dreamed of visiting Austria since I was a little girl for two reasons and two reasons only:

1. To run and sing and dance through the hills a la Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music. Mom, Dad, are you singing and dancing through those glorious Austrian hills? Please tell me you are...

2. To visit this pretty little glass gazebo and get caught inside it with my lover during a down-pouring of rain, so we can pretend for a minute that the year is 1938 and that we are Leisl and Rolf. Dreamy, isn't it...
But enough about me.

We are all missing you lots, especially your grandson. I take him over to your house with me every day when I go to clean up after your pets and your 21 year old son, and every time we go over there he walks through your house looking for you. It is very cute. He will be so happy to see you both when you return next week. His 1st birthday party is tomorrow, and even though we are excited for it, we will be missing you there.

Please enjoy yourselves and your time in Austria. We love you, and we'll talk to you again soon!

Love,
The Speakmans

p.s. Dad -- I think it would be great if you could buy a cd full of yodeling music while you are in Austria. You are a fantastic yodeler, and it has been a while since you've shared this talent of yours with us. Nathan has never seen you do it, and he would really like to. He is a dork and likes yodeling music, too.

Letters to my Parents, the International Travelers: #1

Image of Frankfurt, Germany via Google Images

Dear Mom and Dad,

We got your voicemail and we are all very happy to hear that you are enjoying Germany! How was your flight? And the weather? I hear it is snowing! I do hope you both packed a heavy coat.

I am so glad that Dad was able to re-connect with one of the sisters from his mission. And I love that you attended Fast and Testimony meeting on the other side of the world, and that Dad was able to bear his Testimony in German. What a neat experience for him to have all these years after his mission there.

All is well here at home, in case you were wondering. So far I have been successful in keeping your dogs, your cat, and your son alive. We quite like having Robert here as our guest. Auden follows him around the house and calls him "Ro-Ro". It is very cute.

We miss you. We hope you are having a great time. We are looking forward to your next phone call. Nathan says don't forget to eat a Ruben for him. Auden says don't forget his Laderhosen. I say don't forget that European purse hold I taught you.

We love you!

Love,

The Speakmans