CHristmas Memories

Today at church we had the Relief Society and Priesthood together and they did a Christmas program. It was really good. It made me think what kind of things make Chrismas the magical time of year when the spirit is so prevalent? For me its reading the Christmas story, singing carols, decorating the house and being with family. But really even with that I didn't feel all that Christmasy until today. I am not sure what changed it was it hearing it all together? Or was it just the setting, what ever it was I am glad because now I can't wait for Christmas, sadly that is less than a week away. Why couldn't this of happened earlier? Now I only have a week to enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

But it also made me think of some of my favorite hol

iday memories. So I am making a list for all of you to enjoy....

1. One year Nichole (my sister) was so excited for it to be Christmas and so she decided to wake up really early that morning and open the presents... not just her presents but mine as well. I got woken up by her not long after with "Mariah, Mariah!" She then proceded to tell me everything I had gotten for Christmas. As a result Christmas was not that fun for

me that year.

2. I remember one year we woke up to find a big foot print of ash by the fireplace. That was the coolest thing a 7 year old could of hoped for. See Santa is real!

3. Every year my mom would let us paint pictures on the window. She would make these pretty winter scenes but as for me I just liked the colors. It was a ton of fun!

4. As a family tradition we would go caroling every Christmas eve. Even though I was not that happy to be out in the cold I enjoyed spending time together.

5. As we decorated the tree every year we would listen to Forgotten Carols. The music is so beautiful! The tree may not be the prettiest but it was worth it, especially w

hen we got to add our ornament from that year. (We got a new one every year.)

Forgotten Carols

Last night Kyle and I were able to go see forgotten carols. (It was an early Christmas present from my family.) I loved every moment of it. There is just something about being there in person. I like to think of it as Christmas magic. The spirit of Christmas is so special. They had a song in there that I hadn't heard before I loved every moment of it. The music was beyond awesome it was "beawesome."

Michael came out after the play and he had David Bluth the most amazing singer ever, sing his carol. He ender up singing Arise and shine forth. Wow It was amazing. He told us the best part of doing the play for 19 years and playing a man that was 1900 years old was that he would never be too old to play it, and that his wife who played Sara got to come with him. He said that the best part of that was "making out backstage" everyone laughed. Then he had us all sing silent night. This woman next to me made me cry she told me that I had a beautiful voice. All my life I have never been told that, and I have always thought my voice was awful. I started crying she was so sweet!

Thank you to my family for giving me that very special experience. I think I didn't stop smiling the whole time.

Holiday magic

Well I have not been doing well at updating consistently.. I am awful I know. I hope everyones Thanksgiving was enjoyable. For me it was good, awkward but good. I was surrounded by people I didn't know and anyone that knows me, knows how enjoyable that one is. NOT!

But lights on Temple square have turned on, they are beautiful! The lights and the snow really makes it feel more like Christmas. I love it! Its cold but there is magic in the air this time of year. There is more giving, more joy, more acceptance and more love. Though these things are here year round there is simply more of it this time of year.

I am reminded of the Children's story Christmas Oranges. In this story there was a little girl in an orphanage, every year they received a single orange for Christmas, but this year the girl had done something that made the headmaster mad, as a result she didn't get her Christmas orange. But all the girls sacrificed one piece of there orange so that she could have some.

Do we share in such a sacrificing way? Do we give so much? Try this Christmas season to find ways you can give.

Thanksgiving history

Most stories of Thanksgiving history start with the harvest celebration of the pilgrims and the indians that took place in the autumn of 1621. Although they did have a three-day feast in celebration of a good harvest, and the local indians did participate, this "first Thanksgiving" was not a holiday, simply a gathering. There is little evidence that this feast of thanks led directly to our modern Thanksgiving Day holiday. Thanksgiving can, however, be traced back to 1863 when Pres. Lincoln became the first president to proclaim Thanksgiving Day. The holiday has been a fixture of late November ever since.

However, since most school children are taught that the first Thanksgiving was held in 1621 with the pilgrims and indians, let us take a closer look at just what took place leading up to that event, and then what happened in the centuries afterward that finally gave us our modern Thanksgiving.

The Pilgrims who sailed to this country aboard the Mayflower were originally members of the English Separatist Church, (a Puritan sect). They had earlier fled their home in England and sailed to Holland (The Netherlands) to escape religious persecution. There, they enjoyed more religious tolerance, but they eventually became disenchanted with the Dutch way of life, thinking it ungodly. Seeking a better life, the Separatists negotiated with a London stock company to finance a pilgrimage to America.

The Pilgrims set ground at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620. Their first winter was devastating as a result of not having the knowledge of harvest and the late time of year, there was no time to plant. At the beginning of the following fall, they had lost 46 of the original 102 who sailed on the Mayflower. But the harvest of 1621 was a bountiful one. And the remaining colonists decided to celebrate with a feast -- including 91 Indians who had helped the Pilgrims survive their first year. It is believed that the Pilgrims would not have made it through the year without the help of the natives. The feast was more of a traditional English harvest festival than a true "thanksgiving" observance. It lasted three days.

Governor William Bradford sent "four men fowling" after wild ducks and geese. It is not certain that wild turkey was part of their feast. However, it is certain that they had venison. The term "turkey" was used by the Pilgrims to mean any sort of wild fowl.

Another modern staple at almost every Thanksgiving table is pumpkin pie. But it is unlikely that the first feast included that treat. The supply of flour had been long diminished, so there was no bread or pastries of any kind. However, they did eat boiled pumpkin, and they produced a type of fried bread from their corn crop. There was also no milk, cider, potatoes, or butter. There was no domestic cattle for dairy products, and the newly-discovered potato was still considered by many Europeans to be poisonous. But the feast did include fish, berries, watercress, lobster, dried fruit, clams, venison, and plums.

This "thanksgiving" feast was not repeated the following year. Many years passed before the event was repeated. It wasn't until June of 1676 that another Day of thanksgiving was proclaimed. On June 20 of that year the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unanimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving.

A hundred years later, in October of 1777 all 13 colonies joined in a thanksgiving celebration. It also commemorated the patriotic victory over the British at Saratoga. But it was a one-time affair.

George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, although some were opposed to it. There was discord among the colonies, many feeling the hardships of a few pilgrims did not warrant a national holiday. And later, President Thomas Jefferson opposed the idea of having a day of thanksgiving.

It was Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor, whose efforts eventually led to what we recognize as Thanksgiving. Hale wrote many editorials championing her cause in her Boston Ladies' Magazine, and later, in Godey's Lady's Book.Finally, after a 40-year campaign of writing editorials and letters to governors and presidents, Hale's obsession became a reality when, in 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed the lastThursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving was proclaimed by every president after Lincoln. The date was changed a couple of times, most recently by Franklin Roosevelt, who set it up one week to the next-to-last Thursday in order to create a longer Christmas shopping season. Public uproar against this decision caused the president to move Thanksgiving back to its original date two years later. And in 1941, Thanksgiving was finally sanctioned by Congress as a legal holiday, as the fourth Thursday in November.

My husband is a saint! This past week or so my hormones have been going crazy and yet he still is as ever patient as ever. Nothing new this last week or so, not really looking forward to this week. I don't get a day off from work till next monday, BLAHHH. I guess it could always be worse. Besides after that I only have to work one day then I have Vacation, if only I were going somewhere it would be great. But sadly I am staying right here and so I am going to be bored out of my mind.

Belated honeymoon

Well Kyle and I finally did it. We finally took our honeymoon, almost a year later. But that is what happens when you get married in the middle of the holidays when you can't afford to take any extra time off from work. Then not long after hours get cut, then switch jobs. I mean you go with the flow. So every month we saved a little and we finally were able to go on our belated honeymoon. Let me tell you it was worth the wait. I think it was almost better then going right when we are married. I am serious, this way we were ableto enjoy being there, and enjoy being with eachother. If we had gone we would of been too caught up on newly wed activities.

So we left early Friday morning and headed to Las Vegas. We stayed with Kyle's family that night but we were able to go see Blue Man Group, best part was that we got the tickets for free. Kyle has connections! That and when they found out it was our

honeymoon she gave us the tickets as a wedding present. So as a result we had some of the best tickets in the building.

It was amazing I really didn't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't anything like that. I was so amazed, I normally am not the biggest fan of drumsand acoustics but they made it so much fun and new and adventive. The lights, the music, the fun of it all was amazing.

The next morning we headed to California bright and early. I decided that I HATE California traffic. I flat out refused to drive while we were there. But it was awesome. We went to Disneyland! Oh how much fun. I mean I had been there once before but somehow this was so much more enjoyable. When we got our tickets they asked if we were celebrating anything special we told them it was a late honeymoon so they gave us "just married" buttons. It was kind of funny because all day people would tell us "congratulations." It was so funny. Simply because well we have been married for 11

months. But oh well. We were there for almost 10 hours and by then I was so soar and was having a hard time walking, but we still had to walk back to the hotel. B

ut while we were there we went on all the rides and enjoyed the parade. There was so much to do, so much fun and lots of people.

The whole park was decorated in halloween decor. It was beautiful. I generally am not a fan of the halloween session, mostly because it seems to be all about blood and gore. But Disneyland made it fun, cute, and enjoyable. I mean how cute is the Mickey pumpkin? I would never of thought of making a mickey pumpkin, or any of the other disney characters they made into pumpkins as well, I think my favorite was the goofy one right at the entrance.

I was so sad leaving, I wanted to go back. I missed it. i can defiantly tell why they call it the most magical place on earth. Were else can you feel like a kid even though your not? No were. I loved walking around and seeing all the little girls dressed up as there favorite princess. The little snow white's, Cinderella's, Jasmine's and Sleeping beauty. I loved it. To see to excitement in there eyes. I can't wait to one day take our kids there someday.

Talk for tomorrow

So here is my talk for tomorrow let me know what you think....

Nephi is recorded as saying “I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days” What did Nephi mean that he was born of goodly parents? Does it mean that his parents played an active role in the child’s upbringing and taught gospel principles? Of course it does.

The home and family have vital roles in the developing and cultivating of personal testimony and faith. It is in the family that children first become aware of many of the gospel principles. It is the parents that teach faith, repentance, hope, charity. The family is the basic unit of society, each family is a little different, but regardless of who constitutes your family it is in that unit that they are able to share love. Love for each other and love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. When the gospel is not only taught in the home but also lived children learn and grow. Just like the best meals are cooked at home, the best gospel instruction should be in the home.

The proclamation to the family states that “The family is ordained of God. Husbands have a solemn responsibility to love and care for eachother and there children. “Children are a heratige of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3) Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for there physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law abiding citizens.” For it is here that faith truly begins. But before you can influence others you have to have habits and qualities for yourself. What are these habits and qualities?

1. Prayer:

Do you say daily prayer? Prayers before each meal? Do you say meals with your spouce and family? “Let every family in this Church have prayer together. Now, it is important to have individual prayer, but it is a wonderful thing to have family prayer. Pray to your Father in Heaven in faith. Pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. You can do nothing better for your children than to have them taking their turn in the family prayer, expressing gratitude for their blessings. If they do that while they are young, they will grow with a spirit of thanksgiving in their hearts” I remember babysitting my nieces one evening, before my sister left they all knelt in prayer and my niece then was not even 3 saying a prayer. The habits of prayer are learned as children. That prayer was so simple and so filled with love that the effect has not left me even after the words have been forgotten long ago. Many people even if they saying prayers they are saying the same prayer day after day. One thing that makes a huge difference in prayers is personalizing them, make it as if you are having a personal conversation with the Lord. Tell him about your day, or the things you need counsel on. When it comes to prayer I think there is no better example then that of the children, for they truly say what is in there hearts. They ask for blessings that they need, and they express love for Heavenly Father and there families. I believe over time we either become comfortable in routine phrases that they are used over and over, or that we are so worried about using the prayer words; thou, thine, thee, ect. Were these are good things to have they should not over rule your prayer. Let it be heartfelt, and inspired. As you do this the spirit will begin to guide you as what to say.

2. Study scriptures together;

When asked about study scriptures as a family President Hinkley said “We would be better people. There would be little or no infidelity among us. Divorce would be almost entirely disappear. So much of heartache and heartbreak would be avoided. There would be greater measure of appreciation and of mutual respect among us. And I am confident the Lord would smile with greater favor upon us.” Why if the scriptures are so important is it so hard to consistently read them? It’s because Satan knows the influence of the scriptures. I have realized that days were Kyle and I read together the spirit is more prevalent. I love being able to read together, sharing those sacred texts. “The brass plates were a record of Lehi’s fathers, including their language, genealogy, and more importantly, the gospel taught by God’s holy prophets. As Lehi searched the plates, he learned what all of us learn by studying the scriptures: Who we are? What can we become? Prophecies for us and our posterity, commandments, laws, ordinances, and covenants we must live by to obtain eternal life.”(Robert D. Hales) Prayer by itself when we ask questions or want guidance is meaningless if we are not doing our part and reading the scriptures. Elder Robert D Hales explained that when we want to talk to God we pray but if we expect God to talk to us then we must read the scriptures. It is through the scriptures that the counsel and teachings of God are able to influence our own lives.

3.Temple and church attendance;

I remember driving in the car with my nieces one afternoon passing the Nauvoo temple, all the sudden I hear “Temple mommy, its Jesus’ house” I nearly was brought to tears. My niece knew why the temple was so sacred, it was Jesus’ house. President Monson said “as we tuch the temple, the temple will touch us.” Are we allowing the spirit that we feel each time we go to the temple or come to church are we allowing that to reach beyond the walls of the building? Do we talk to one another about things we learned? I remember growing up each Sunday night as we sat around the table for dinner right after dinner my father would ask each of us in turn “what did you learn about today?”

Have those gospel discussions each and every time you go to church or attend the temple. If you are unable to go to the temple for what ever reason spend some time on temple grounds. Take your scriptures, and a book to write down your thoughts, and think of the Savior. We are so blessed to live in a time were there are so many temples, so many opportunities to be in the Lord’s house. Use them!

4. Attitude;

Everything begins and ends with your attitude. If you are reading or praying because you have too, you are not going to get anything out of it. You get out of it what you put into it. Have a positive out look and the spirit will bless you.

5. Be consistent;

Have a routine, and stick to it. Just like when you exercise you have a routine, do the same with prayer and scripture study. Set a time each day that you set aside for these activities. Turn off the tv, take a break and make your home a heaven on earth. “Sometimes Sister Bednar and I wondered if our efforts to do these spiritually essential things were worthwhile. Now and then verses of scripture were read amid outbursts such as “He’s touching me!” “Make him stop looking at me!” “Mom, he’s breathing my air!” Sincere prayers occasionally were interrupted with giggling and poking. And with active, rambunctious boys, family home evening lessons did not always produce high levels of edification. At times Sister Bednar and I were exasperated because the righteous habits we worked so hard to foster did not seem to yield immediately the spiritual results we wanted and expected.

Today if you could ask our adult sons what they remember about family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening, I believe I know how they would answer. They likely would not identify a particular prayer or a specific instance of scripture study or an especially meaningful family home evening lesson as the defining moment in their spiritual development. What they would say they remember is that as a family we were consistent.

Sister Bednar and I thought helping our sons understand the content of a particular lesson or a specific scripture was the ultimate outcome. But such a result does not occur each time we study or pray or learn together. The consistency of our intent and work was perhaps the greatest lesson—a lesson we did not fully appreciate at the time.” Don’t give up and do you best but stay consistent!

Loosing weight

I am officially on a diet and exercise program! Go me. Well its not too bad, changing bad eating habits and stuff, means Kyle gets to cook healthier things. But in the last week I have lost 5 lbs. See not to bad for the first week right? Him and I are exercising in the morning before either of us go to work. I realize that if someone is not there to push me I tend to last a week and then I guess I give up or something. Not sure, but I have never in my life exercised consistently. I am horrible I know. Wish me luck!

our life is a roller coaster of joys and sorrows.

Well lets give you a quick update.... "no to much let me sum up". Monday was my birthday oh yeah I think I had a nervous break down or something about turning 25. I mean now I understand when Kyle kept telling me that its not that big a deal but sunday night I seriously cried myself to sleep. I worked all day (but sneaky me refused to tell anyone it was my birthday.) I was still in distress after all.

Oh monday the day of joys..... NOT. On monday I had called to make an apointment for a new doctor, just for a check up and to start getting my birth control through him. Well turns out in order to get birthcontrol through him I have to get a pap smear. NOOOOOOOOOOO! So I started freaking out about that. (Oh just wait it gets better.)

Then on my break I called my sister Nichole to complain about the pap smear (I have never had one so it scared me.) Well just to find out that my Grandpa was not doing well, that the doctors didn't expect him to make it through the night. Oh the Joy. (Told you it got better.)

Well turned out that my Grandpa has still alive, not doing very well and still could go at any moment but holding in there.

Yesterday Kyle for a birthday present let me go get a pedicure. Oh it was delightful. I didn't want to stop them massaging my feet. We went to Apple bee's for lunch the other day, I was upset because we waited for like 45 minutes just for our food to be brought out. Well I complained and now we get free food. Oh the joys! And today we are going to the aquarium. I think it will be a blast!

Weekly win

Well this week was my first week back to work, it was a little rough but over all it was good. Monday was the worst, my ankle was killing me. But now its good for the most part. From time to time it hurts mostly when I am driving. Its the angle I have to put it.

My car was in the shop getting fixed because it kept over heating, well $1700 later it got fixed. It works so much better now. I still stress that the car is going to over heat but I think that is just me stressing.

Kyle and I went to the movie theaters today and saw the "other guys." Not the bet movie. I laughed all the way through the movie but there are so many sexual innuendo's and to much swearing. Its funny but it would be so much better with out the other stuff.

A "twist" of fait

I am horrible here I am with all this time on my hands and I have not updated my blog in forever, how sad am I? So lets see were to start? Well I started my new job. I am a janitor on temple square I work in the Church office Building (mostly on the employee floors.) I enjoy it I think mostly because I love cleaning and organizing, strangely enough I prefer it not to be my own house that I am cleaning. Well last week while I was at work I slipped on a puddle of water and twisted my ankle. As a result I have been getting paid to sit at home and do nothing. At first I thought it would be really nice but I am going crazy I feel like I have been on house arrest. My life has been either the bed or the coach. I am going crazy, I am ready to go back to work. Ahh but sadly they told me I have to have a doctors clearance before I can go to work again. I want to go NOW!

Well besides that we moved into our new apartment. I am excited though we are still dealing with boxes and deciding were to put things, we have more room. Its a 2 bedroom apartment, and the closet is big enough you could put a queen size bed in it. Awesome!

Other then that nothing new or exciting....

Weekend event of debugging!

I kind of destroyed the bedroom! Took everything apart but its all good, I put it back together!

Don't I look pretty? This is What I wore while spraying!

I declare war!

So today I was fed up, I have way too many bites all over me! I look like I have chicken pox because I have so many bites! I have been dealing for the past month with stupid bed bugs. I put up with them long enough. At first we were not sure what they were. Then we looked them up on the web (after we caught a few of them.) At first we were thinking that they were flees but alas no, we do have bed bugs. But we also had flees from the stupid dog down stairs. The combination of the two is not fair and not fun.

The fact that they were only biting me and not Kyle, not fair. Stinker! We threw out the box spring in hopes that we were getting rid of them.... sadly not. We think they were venturing up from another apartment. Because the most common ways of getting bed bugs is from traveling (haven't been any were since our wedding), other apartments (ding ding ding), or rarely from clinging to clothes. I even tried steaming everything, didn't work.

So today war began. I used indoor pesticide all over our furniture (not the mattress) and all the corners, cracks, etc. Then Kyle and I put tape all the way around our mattress... Ha get that stupid bugs. now if you try to get me, you will either die, or get stuck, tortured and then die! (*Starts laughing in an evil voice*)

I am hoping that now I will be able to sleep! Oh one can hope.

Happy Sunday everyone! Its a beautiful day, the sun is shinning, I am home with Kyle. I mean could it be any better? Nope! Yesterday Kyle and I went to the temple and did sealings. It was fun. We were there for a little over an hour, Kyle really enjoyed it.

So I chickened out on giving blood the other day, didn't happen... part of it was I was to lazy to leave after running errands all day.

So yesterday I had an interview at a Lawyers office. (As a receptionist.) I would be working mainly with one lawyer. I am hoping and praying that I get the job. If I get it I start on Monday! I find out sometime today. I'm praying that I get the job.

Today I am going to give blood. Well I am going to try anyways. Last time I gave blood they told me not to try again.... that was almost 5 years ago. But then I was told I could try again. So lots of water. I am just afraid that I am going to have to use the bathroom while I am hooked up to the needle. That would suck, but totally my luck.

Nichole and her family are coming to visit! There staying here! I am way excited to spoil my nieces. I miss them and they live so far away that I haven't seen them since my wedding. I love my sister!

Lessons of my father

With yesterday being father's day it made me think of all the things that my father taught me.

1. Find someone that makes you laugh everyday and stick with them.

2. Once you are married do everything you can to make it work.

3. Live everyday like it was your last.

4. Life is not always fair but it can be fun!

5. He taught me to tie my shoes

6. He taught me to ride a bike.

7. Tried teaching me to play fair. Sadly I still cheat! I play dirty, just ask Kyle.

8. He taught me to be Honest.

9. He taught me to Love others.

10. He also taught me to be a friend.

Thank you daddy for everything you have done for me. You were the best dad! You taught me so much, every moment of every day you found something to teach me. I love you so much. But most of the things you taught me made me who I am because of the love you showed for me and for the rest of the family.

This is totally how I feel at times. Today this is how I feel mostly because I am so tired. I hate when I work so late. Plus the fact that my body has a stupid internal clock thing going on. I have a hard time sleeping past 8.

Plus I have been having an itchy allergy kind of thing going on. Not exactly sure what is causing it. But all I know is it itches and I am going crazy!!!!

THE KARATE KID - Official Trailer [HQ]

So Kyle and I went and saw Karate kid, I was optimistic. Turned out I loved it even better then the original. I loved the fact that the story line was the same but that it brought it back to its orgins CHINA! I mean karate started in china and that is were it is. You get to see more action, more beautiful scenery, and you feel like there is a better connection between you the viewer and the characters. I thought Jackie Chang did a wonderful job in his role as the mentor. I loved how there was a lot of Chinese spoken in it as well. Plus the girl has a story line, she is no longer just an extra character... What can I say I LOVE THIS MOVIE!

Shut up!

So Kyle and I decided that we really do not want our future kids saying shut up... so I am having to stop saying it... Its not easy. I am catching myself all the time saying "the word!" Some days are better then others but I am looking forward to the day when I don't have to worry about it any longer! Hopefully that day is soon!

Well stake conference was really good. They reorganized the stake presidency. It was weird though because Kyle and I both felt like we were visitors because we haven't been in the stake that long and we are moving out of the stake next month. It was sweet though the music was done by the primary, and here I was singing along. "Faith is knowing the sun will rise, brighting each new day!" But I was pleased that there was a new song that I didn't know! And I loved it!

"A long time ago in a beautiful place,

Children were gathered ’round Jesus.
He blessed and taught as they felt of His love.
Each saw the tears on His face.
The love that He felt for His little ones
I know He feels for me.
I did not touch Him or sit on His knee,
Yet, Jesus is real to me.

Chorus
I know He lives!
I will follow faithfully.
My heart I give to Him.
I know that my Savior loves me.

Now I am here in a beautiful place,
Learning the teachings of Jesus.
Parents and teachers will help guide the way,
Lighting my path ev’ry day.
Wrapped in the arms of my Savior’s love,
I feel His gentle touch.
Living each day, I will follow His way,
Home to my Father above.
Chorus "

Elder Evans and Elder Price from the quorum of the 70 were there. It was really funny because one of the men that was speaking said "When I grow up I want to be just like him." (Says a 50 year old man about a man half his age. It was super cute.) Elder Evans spoke about the warning sings of life, and how Satan uses those warning signs against us to make us fall into temptation. Elder Price I don't think knew how to end a meeting on time. He was the junior apostle and yet he spoke the longest. Ahhh! And the problem was that he really wasn't speaking to me, he was talking to the teens approaching mission age and the elderly with time to serve....

A True Apostle of God, Jeffrey R. Holland

I love how much power Elder Holland has as he bears testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. I have always loved watching him bear such a simple testimony. He says it so well.

Today we have stake conference, I will let you know how it goes.

Is it any wonder? Christ is the Greatest of all!

Aspects of Love - The First Man You Remember

This is one of my all time favorite songs! I love it.

David Ball - Riding With Private Malone

Happy memorial day

There are many stories of veterans that gave there lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have. But I think that we don't always think of the struggles that they had when they left for war. Did they want to go? Did they go out of duty? Did they go to impress? These are the stories that we never hear. But we can imagine how they go.

But I think that with memorial day comes the knowledge that the visions of those before us have been passed down, they are our forefathers and they have helped form our world. Say thank you to a veteran. They gave it there all. Be grateful for them and what they did.

Private Malone by: David Ball

I was just out of the service thumbing through the classifieds
When an ad that said:"Old Chevy" somehow caught my eye
The lady didn't know the year,or even if it ran
But I had that thousand dollars in my hand

It was way back in the corner of this old ramshackle barn
Thirty years of dust and dirt on that green army tarp
When I pulled the cover off,it took away my breath
What she called a Chevy was a sixty six Corvette

I felt a little guilty as I counted out the bills
But what a thrill I got when I sat behind the wheel
I opened up the glove box and that's when I found the note
The date was nineteen-sixty six and this is what it wrote:

He said,"My name is Private Andrew Malone"
"If you're reading this,then I didn't make it home"
"But for every dream that shattered,another one comes true"
"This car was once a dream of mine,now it belongs to you"
"And though you may take her and make her your own"
"You'll always be riding with Private Malone"

Well it didn't take me long at all,I had her running good
I love to hear those horses thunder underneath her hood
I had her shining lika a diamond and I'd put the rag top down
All the pretty girls would stop and stare as I drove her through town

The buttons on the radio didn't seem to work quite right
But it picked up that oldie show,especially late at night
I'd get the feeling sometimes,if I turned real quick I'd see
A soldier riding shotgun in the seat right next to me

It was a young man named Private Andrew Malone
Who fought for his country and never made it home
But for every dream that's shattered,another one comes true
This car was once a dream of his,back when it was new
He told me to take her and make her my own
And I was proud to be riding with Private Malone

One night it was raining hard,I took the curve too fast
I still don't remember much about that fiery crash
Someone said they thought they saw a soldier pull me out
They didn't get his name, but I know without a doubt

It was a young man named Private Andrew Malone
Who fought for his country and never made it home
But for every dream that's shattered,another one comes true
This car was once a dream of his,back when it was new
I know I wouldn't be here if he hadn't tagged along
That night I was riding with Private Malone
Oh,thank God,I was riding with Private Malone

Its Kyle's day!

Today is Kyle's birthday he is now 25! I keep teasing him that he is OLD! Well in all reality I am not that much younger than he is. Oh well I guess. I can try to dream. But he is OLD! Ha ha! Oh but I love that man!

Talk went OKAY not as good as I was hoping. I stuttered a lot and said random things oh well.... could of been worse!

Talk for Sunday

So i thought as I learned a lot from this others might as well. This is the talk I am giving in Church tomorrow. Enjoy all... Its on patience. (My biggest weakness.) Its based on President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's conference talk Continue in Patience.

Patience

There are different levels of patience

1. Patience with self

2. Patient with others

3. Patient with blessings- waiting on the blessings you expect as you keep the commandment

4. Patience in answers to prayers

In the 1960s, a professor at Stanford University began a modest experiment testing the willpower of four-year-old children. He placed before them a large marshmallow and then told them they could eat it right away or, if they waited for 15 minutes, they could have two marshmallows.

He then left the children alone and watched what happened behind a two-way mirror. Some of the children ate the marshmallow immediately; some could wait only a few minutes before giving in to temptation. Only 30 percent were able to wait.

It was a mildly interesting experiment, and the professor moved on to other areas of research, for, in his own words, “there are only so many things you can do with kids trying not to eat marshmallows.” But as time went on, he kept track of the children and began to notice an interesting correlation: the children who could not wait struggled later in life and had more behavioral problems, while those who waited tended to be more positive and better motivated, have higher grades and incomes, and have healthier relationships.

Relationships are based on characteristics such as patience. Patience is not just enduring trials, it is also dealing with others, how you react to the ups and downs of life, how you react to yourself, and with God. There are many levels of patience but one is no more important than the next.

When we think of patience the first thing we think of is trials. Why do we need trails? We grow through our trials that make us who we are today. At the time we may not understand why things are not going the way we want them to but knowing that God has a plan. The children of Israel waited 40 years in the wilderness before they could enter the Promised Land. Jacob waited 7 long years for Rachel. The Jews waited 70 years in Babylon before they could return to rebuild the temple. The Nephites waited for a sign of Christ’s birth, even knowing that if the sign did not come, they would perish. Joseph Smith’s trials in Liberty Jail caused even the prophet of God to wonder, “How long?” D&C 121:39-45 How often are we the ones asking the lord How long must I suffer? Why am I here and not receive an answer? In each case, Heavenly Father had a purpose in requiring that His children wait. Because Patience is more than just enduring, it is enduring well. Many of the hard ships and trials appear sever. This life is not always easy it’s a time of proving that is how it was meant to be. Whatever the source of the trial it causes pain and hardship for those involved and those around them.

We often can utter the same prayer that Christ uttered in the garden. “Abba (Father) If it be thy will let this cup pass from me.” That cup didn’t pass from Christ he needed to experience that trial just as we need our trials. Those trials bring us to our knees; they make us who the Lord sees us becoming.

Patience in trials comes as we accept the will of the father. “Not my will but thine be done.” As we approach the Lord in heart felt prayer we are able to better understand the need of these trials. Looking back on my own life I see trials that I had, at the time they seemed so big so important, but now they were not that big but they did help me to grow. Often we can’t see the Lord’s hand in our lives until long after trials have passed. Often the most difficult times of our lives are essential building blocks that form the foundation of our character and pave the way to future opportunity, understanding, and happiness

“We live in a world offering fast food, instant messaging, on-demand movies, and immediate answers to the most trivial or profound questions. We don’t like to wait. Some even feel their blood pressure rise when their line at the grocery store moves slower than those around them.

Patience—the ability to put our desires on hold for a time—is a precious and rare virtue. We want what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter. Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God. “ We often want the instantaneous results with out the work. “Brigham Young taught that when something came up which he could not comprehend fully, he would pray to the Lord, “Give me patience to wait until I can understand it for myself.”5 And then Brigham would continue to pray until he could comprehend it.

We must learn that in the Lord’s plan, our understanding comes “line upon line, precept upon precept.”6

For me the biggest trial in patience is being patient with my self. We are our worst critics often times simply because we know we can do better and we expect more from ourselves then from other people, or the fact that you have to look yourself in the mirror every day and know that you are not doing your personal best. We set goals for ourselves sometimes we realize that those goals are unrealistic but we set them anyway and then when we don’t reach them we go about beating ourselves up about it. That is how we as humans work; it’s a vicious cycle of personal abuse.

I am grateful for my Husband because I am very hard on myself, and he often times will be the one to explain to me how silly it is to be frustrated at my self when I can just try to be better. He is right after all. It goes with the old saying, “if at first you don’t succeed try, try again.” So what if I failed at loosing 5 pounds, it doesn’t mean I have to yell at myself or that the world is going to come to an end. It just means that I try again.

“Patience means accepting that which cannot be changed and facing it with courage, grace, and faith. It means being “willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us], even as a child doth submit to his father.”8 Ultimately, patience means being “firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord”9 every hour of every day, even when it is hard to do so. In the words of John the Revelator, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and . . . faith [in] Jesus.”10

Patience is a process of perfection. The Savior Himself said that in your patience you possess your souls.11 Or, to use another translation of the Greek text, in your patience you win mastery of your souls.12 Patience means to abide in faith, knowing that sometimes it is in the waiting rather than in the receiving that we grow the most. This was true in the time of the Savior. It is true in our time as well, for we are commanded in these latter days to “continue in patience until ye are perfected.”13

So today I had an interview at AT&T! I am hopeful the interview went really well. I am suppose to hear back by monday or Tuesday..... Keep your fingers crossed. It would be really great full time, paid vacation after 6 months, and also benefits after 6 months. Please oh please let me get the job!

Just curious but why does it feel like they want me to quit?

Blah ha ha ha

I want a job that I actually enjoy is that to much to ask???????

Laugh when you want to cry

I found this on a web page and I thought how true is this. There are just sometimes we need a way to laugh....

1) Take a Look Around

Guess what? Your life isn’t that bad. If you’re reading this, then you have access to a computer and the internet. You know who doesn’t? Millions of people around the world. Things could be worse…

A little while ago, while I was in the midst of a little self pity, I read “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch. It’s a rather moving tale about a guy who, at the age of 46 and with a wife and three kids, gets a terminal diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The story has some great life lessons, but one of my biggest takeaways was not one Randy explicitly states in the book. I thought to myself, “wow, my life seems bad, but jeez, at least I don’t have pancreatic cancer.” Sounds a bit callous, but I have a feeling Randy would have approved.

There are real tragedies that can hit you. However, so much of the time people waste on being depressed is not about real tragedies. It’s about stuff that ultimately doesn’t matter. Ironically, most of the people I know who did face real tragedies faced those with their chins up and made the best of it. Life is weird that way…

The next time you feel down about something insignificant, take a look around. There are a lot of people a lot worse off than you who are making the best of it. Follow their example and be happy with what you do have.

2) Time Travel to “Someday”

Look, you know for a fact that in a couple of months you are going to look back on what you are going through right now and laugh at yourself for how stupidly you overreacted. It’s a fact. You’ve probably already said, “someday we’re going to look back on this and laugh.” You also know your friends and family are most likely already making fun of you about it.

Skip the mourning period and start laughing about it now. Just imagine that it is “someday” and think about what the future you would say about it to the present you. I doubt future you would say soothing words like, “there, there, it’ll all be all right.” No, future you would say, “hey dumbass! Stop whining. Life is too short and he/she/it/whatever you’re crying about isn’t worth it.” If it helps, picture “future you” as a Terminator speaking to you in a Austrian accent; all things sound funnier when said by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

You don’t need to share it with anyone else, but a little self-mockery can get you laughing and give you some much needed perspective.

3) Guffaw, Even If For No Reason

Do this one in private, or you might end up in a sanitarium, but definitely give it a try. Give it a whirl now: just let out a big laugh. Not just a chuckle, but a long sustained, hearty guffaw.

I know it feels goofy, but I bet it also made you feel just a tinge better, right? I don’t fully understand the physiological or neurological reasons why, but I do know that the act of laughing will lighten your mood.

The wimpier version of this is to simply smile rather than laughing. That works too, and is a little easier to do in public.

4) Gallagherize

Gallagher was a comedian who told some very bad jokes, but for some unknown reason was immensely successful. It may have had something to do with the fact that a big part of his act was smashing fruit with a giant sledgehammer. I am not suggesting you smash watermelons (though really, I don’t see how that wouldn’t lift your mood), but I am suggesting that you try to make your own humor, even when you don’t feel like it.

Here’s a fact: in order to make jokes, you have to look for humor in the world. When you look for humor in the world, you find humor in the world. When you find humor in the world, you take the first steps towards laughing instead of crying.

When you’re down, commit to looking for the humor. A simple way to do that is to get in the habit of asking yourself, “what’s funny about this?” You won’t always come up with an answer, but you will be training your mind to look for the funny.

Like Gallagher, you don’t need to be all that funny to be successful. Just make the jokes, and the laughs will come.

5) Jump Into A Big Pile Of “Ha Ha”

What’s weird is the extent to which people who are feeling down like to do things to stay down. They watch weepy movies, stare at depressing photographs, and listen to depressing music like Morrissey and Coldplay. When you’re in the middle of it, this sounds like a brilliant plan, but any outside observer could easily tell you that you are just feeding into a downward spiral.

Break out of that spiral by switching to fun and funny things. Watch funny movies and TV shows. Hang out with funny people. Listen to stand up comics. The nice thing is you can usually find comedians, movies, and TV shows that make light of what you are going through. This offers a nice perspective shift that you may not even realize.

If you’re unwilling to completely leave behind the depressing material, start with those weird hybrid movies that start out funny and then get serious halfway through. To the average movie-goer, those movies are annoying; to a person looking to come out of a self-pitying spiral, they can really fit the bill.

+++Throw a Hissy Fit

Let’s say that you are unsuccessful at using the simple techniques above to switch from crying to laughing. In that case, stop trying to be so mature and go ahead and throw a tantrum. Do it safely, and in private, but do what you need to get the emotion out.

There are many ways you can do this: rant and rave (to no one), write a vitriolic letter (which you never send), beat the heck out of a punching bag (my personal favorite), etc. Notice how you do not throw a physical or verbal tantrum at the object of your anger; you simply do what you need to get it out of your system.

Years ago I was in the middle of a month long self-pity party. When I decided it was time to get out of it I hopped on a treadmill. The thing is, I hate running and am not that great at it. If I can keep running for 20 minutes or a mile and a half, I consider that impressive. This day I turned on the treadmill, started running, and channeled all my emotion into that run. More than 45 minutes and three miles later I stopped, exhausted, and feeling better than I had in weeks. There is something very cathartic about channeling your emotion into a physical activity.

Be careful that you don’t do something stupid and hurt yourself, but give it a try. When you’re done, take a shower and watch a funny movie…

The next time you are wallowing in unnecessary sadness, try one or more of these techniques. In every moment of every day, you have a choice: laugh or cry, and life is way too short to spend it crying…

Mother's day

Happy Mothers day one and all. So Kyle gave a talk in Sacrament meeting it was good, but church was so awkward. I am 1 of 2 woman in the ward that is not a mom. All during church it was like a constant reminder that I am not a mother. It was hard. But the good thing I guess was in Sunday school it made me think about what I wanted in my life.... what are my goals. I want to be happy. I want to be able to get kyle through school and then go myself. I want to have a job that I enjoy. I want to have children. I want to enjoy every moment of every day.

I feel so bad. I just started new birth control if its possible I am even more moody then before. Not sick just moody. I feel bad for Kyle though because one minute I am happy and laughing and then the next minute I am off balling my eyes out. Ahhh why???? I feel bad because I dont know what triggers it or why I am crying. I am just crying! Grr. I am hoping things level out.

I had a few interviews this week. I had one at Build a Bear, and then one an internet dating service. I am hoping and praying that I get the one at Build a Bear. They offer benefits and payed vacation. The one with the internet dating I thought at first would be great but the more I think about it the more uneasy I get. I am not going to take that one if it is offered. Plus its commission based. Blahhh

Moments in time

So this week has been entertaining to say the least. I mean with my younger brother trying to control my life. He was trying to tell me that we had to get pregnant before he goes on his mission. Um NO! Even though I am seriously baby hungry we are still sticking to our plan and waiting at least a year and we are waiting till we have health insurance. My brother tried telling me that I didn't need health insurance until I told him that he can pay the doctors bills then. That changed his mind very quickly. LOL he just loves kids so much. As do I but everything in its time. I will just have to be patient.

Kyle's cousin Jake just had a baby and I got to hold it. It helped me not be so baby hungry though. I kept freaking out because she kept making a face like she was choking. I was afraid that she was suffocating. I was so scared. But luckily she was alright. She was so tiny though.

The other day was entertaining, I got off work and Kyle told me to come to the church house. Kyle locked his keys in the church while practicing. He was playing the piano in the Relief society room because someone was on the organ in the chapel. Well I got there and got the attention of the person playing. He acted like I was going to mug him, seriously? I am a weak girl and I was wearing a skirt. Like I was really going to beat him up? Not likely. But I got the keys that's all I know.

So I am changing birth control pills. I am sick of the constant nausea that has come with it. Its like morning sickness with out the pregnancy. It sucks! I am hoping that it also helps with my emotional roller coaster. We will see. I just started yesterday so we will see.

Kyle and I are becoming coupon people. Hey any way to save money, right?

Dinner at home with Kyle

So tonight was entertaining. Here Kyle and I are eating dinner while watching Smallville, a knock on the door comes. I open the door and Senior missionaries are there asking for Kyle. Well the ward apparently gave them a list of people to go see and well Kyle was on there, they didn't even know about me. They figured that we were just dating, what would we be doing in a family ward if we were only dating??? Then they thought we not active (even though Kyle plays in sacrament every week and we go every week!) I don't get it! But then for some reason they thought I was a convert, hum not sure were that came from. But oh well. It was rather funny. Kyle and I are still laughing about it. On there way out they saw our picture of the temple, the prophet, Joseph praying in the grove, families are forever sign and picture of Christ and said "oh yes you pass." Oh my goodness!

Hero's

yesterday in church there was a high councler speaking about hero's he asked us who are your hero's. He told us a story about a missionary who had a low self esteem, he meet with the mission president on a weekly basis. Finally the mission president asked him who his hero's were. The missionary admitted he had none. He was then given a challenge to find someone to add to his list of possible candidates of hero hall a fame. The fallowing week in a meeting the missionary told the mission president that his new hero was Elder Talmage. The mission president was a little shocked that he would feel a connection to Elder Talmage. But over the fallowing weeks others were added to the hero hall of fame, a seminary teacher, a scout leader who was just doing his job, his father, and younger brother. Each of these had given him a huge influence that helped mold his life. Even though he had not realized it those around him had always been his hero's.

So I made a list of my own, my own personal hero's.

1. Jesus Christ

2. My father

3. Elder Holland

Who are your heros?

So the last 3 nights I have been tossing and turning ALL night! As a result I have been a little cranky, impatient, and emotional. I feel so bad about it. It has really mad me think about how much I love kyle, how lucky I am to have him and it makes me wonder if he really knows how much I love him.

Sometimes late at night

I lie awake and watch her sleeping She's lost in peaceful dreams So I turn out the lights and lay there in the dark And the thought crosses my mind If I never wake up in the morning W

ould she ever doubt the way I feel About her in my heart If tomorrow never comes Will she know how much I loved her Did I try in every way To show her every day That she's my only one If my time on earth were through And she must face the world without me Is the love I gave her in the past Gonna be enough to last If tomorrow ne

ver comes 'Cause I've lost loved ones in my life Who never knew how much I loved them Now I live with the regret That my true feelings for them never were revealed So I made a promise to myself To say each day how much she means to me And avoid that circumstance Where there's no

second chance To tell her how I feel If tomorrow never comes Will she know how much I loved her Did I try in every way To show her every day That she's my only one If my time on earth were through And she must face the world without me Is the love I gave her in the past Gonna be enough to last If tomorrow never comes So tell that someone that you love Just what you're thinking of If tomorrow never comes

I know that he knows that I love him but do I tell him enough? Do I treat him like I should everyday? I love him so much!

Testimony of the Book of Mormon

Testimony of the Book of Mormon

Job interviews

So the interviews are done. Now I get to play the waiting game. I hate having to wait. I am stressed out because now I have to wait. I have to wait to find out if I got the jobs, if I get to start something new. I am a little bit of a basket case filled with jitters and hoping that I will get something better then I have right now.

Tomorrow

So tomorrow is a busy day... phone interview at 8am, interview at Nordstom's at 11 am, on call at work at 12, and so on. Busy day. I am a little nervous, hoping all goes well though.

Its kinda nice so Kyle is taking a few less classes this quarter, translation being that Kyle is home with me more often! I defiantly like that but it makes it all that much harder when he leaves for class. The classes are shorter so I don't have to wait up till all hours of the night for him to get home either.

Well yesterday was fun. Kyle's friend Dave come up from Provo for the day. They went to the driving range while I was at work and then we all went to Red Robin for dinner. It was nice to have an excuse to get out of the house. Plus the weather was finally nice, so it was worth it. I love Dave he is a great guy, he is always contagiously happy.

Kyle is making key lime pie tonight. YUmmmY! I remember the first time I had it was when we were dating and YES he made it.... SO good! I love yumminess! I love that man. I can't believe how lucky I am. I ask myself every day what I did to deserve a man like him. And every day the answer is the same I DON'T HAVE A CLUE. I am sure every woman feels that way, but this is me talking so I get to be the selfish one and say that I am the LUCKIEST woman ALIVE! (Sorry everyone!)

So all the applications are starting to FINALLY pay off. I had a phone interview with Sprint this morning while I was getting ready for work. That was interesting. Getting dressed with a phone attached to me. Not that easy just to let you know. The I have been playing phone tag with another job offer, problem being they are just opening a new office here in Salt Lake and they are based out of the East coast. (Two hour difference makes things a little more difficult!) The problem is I am torn if offered a job at all of them which should I take? I just don't know I guess I will see when and if the time comes.

Today I was given the opportunity (hehe) to fill out a employee survey ha ha ha.... Yeah I enjoyed that one. It basically asked what we liked about working there, if we would suggest someone else work there, etc. But my favorite part I think was they asked how we thought our managers were doing there job. Um NOT! I finally had something that I could get my frustrations out with.

Job interview

So the interview went well. It was short but she seemed to like what I said. I am going in on monday to have an interview in person. I am a little excited but also a little nervous. Not that I need to be I mean I am already doing the job at Victoria's Secret.

Counting my blessings

I think all to often we as a people as the general population of this place we call earth, that is our home become so caught up in our lives that we tend to forget. Forget from whence we came. That we do in deed have a Heavenly Father, that he loves each one of us and that everything that we have comes from him. Everything from the air we breath to the roof over our heads is a blessing a gift if you will from him.

My challenge for myself was to think only of the blessings that I have been given in my life. (Hard part is I had to think of the blessings ONLY from this week.) I was not allowing myself to go strolling down memory lane and being grateful for ever Tom, Dick, and Harry.... But to think on a deeper level. Things that I was truly gratefully for. Things that had truly impacted me. Things that made me get to my knees and thank my Heavenly Father right there and then for them.

After thinking about these items I made myself pick only the top five. Five things that I was most gratefully for. now this made me think even more. What was there that I was more grateful for then anything else? What could I rank above everything else. (This was not easy!) The top 3 I had no problem with.

1. My savior Jesus Christ

2. My membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints

3. My eternal companion and husband

But then I had to think what other 2 things am I most gratefully for? Is it my health? My family? My friends? But all this time remembering that I had to have been thankful for it in this past week! As I thought and thought I kept remembering a scripture that I read recently. "For Moses had said, ^aConsecrate yourselves to day to the Lord, even every man upon his ^bson, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a ^cblessing this day." (Exodus 32:10)

As we give our self to God as we show our gratitude for all that he has given us he will bless us even more. That is when I decided what my other top 5 items would be.

4. Scriptures that allow me to come closer to God

5. The ability to repent, because I know I am not perfect. I need repentance to become better!

Hope all of you can take the time to figure out your top 5! What are you most grateful for?