Christmas parties and friends...

I am blessed to have wonderful friends! Every year I have two groups of friends my mission friends. And the other group should probably be called the "roommate" group, which is true -more on that later. That get together for our annual Christmas parties. Nikie posted about this too.

This year the "mission" group met at Iggy's for dinner then headed to Becky and Roy's home for dessert and games. We do a gift exchange that can at times be heated but this year it wasn't too bad. Sorry LeAnn, that you got stuck with the "Skookie"! We try to get together almost every month and I truly look forward to seeing them. Love you girls!

LeAnn, me - top row

Becky, Nikie, and Kim - bottom row

The husbands are invited to a summer BBQ and Christmas party each year. We are missing Nikie's husband Steve in the picture. Sorry Steve! He left a bit early to take the babysitter home.

Below Roy (Becky's husband), Cesar (Kim's husband), and Brad.

In the "roommate" group we get together for lunch to celebrate each of our birthdays. We also have a BBQ in the spring, Cinco de Mayo celebration, 4th of July (when Brad and I can make it without conflicting with family traditions), and the annual Halloween party. We have sooo much fun!

This year we had a delicious meal at Linda and Dan's home and our gift exchange game. We had a great time and LOVED our gifts!! Thanks guys!

It is true we all were roommates and one point but I originally met Linda in the MTC. We were in the combined Spanish class with both our districts, and she lived a floor (or 2) below me. Kim and I were companions on our mission and moved out together the first time with a 3rd roommate Allison. Then we moved to this really small but great house in the Cottonwood Heights area and Linda moved in with us. Then we when Allison moved out Katy moved in, then Melissa. Melissa was Linda's roommate a couple years prior at BYU. Was that a fun history lesson! I lived in that house for 3 yrs before getting married and we had 2 other roommates Stephanie and Annika during that time as well. (Linda feel free to correct me on my timeline or whatever!)

We had so many great adventures living together in that house. I was lucky to have such great roommates that I love dearly and still enjoy being around.

Thanks girls for all the great memories!

me, Kim, Mel and Linda

Just a side note... Kim is pregnant and due Feb 4 (i think?), Mel is also pregnant and due Mar 1st, and yes Linda is pregnant as well and due Mar 3rd (I may have switched Mel and Linda's due dates.. sorry ladies!) I missed the 4th of July party last year.. guess something was in the food!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!!!

The true meaning of Christmas...

This Christmas season, Brad and I have been trying to focus more on the opportunities to serve around us, and have been amazed by the many others we have seen doing the same. I am extremely grateful for a wonderful mother who taught me about the importance of service and to think of others needs before my own. As I look back at my most memorable Christmases, they are when I have focused on others needs. I am so grateful I have a loving husband that feels the same way I do and will always support me.

This past Sunday in young women's we as a presidency each picked a special message we wanted to share with the girls about remembering the "true" meaning of Christmas. It is wonderful how through the spirit we each had a different message and yet after each was shared, they built upon the previous one. I am so grateful for the wonderful women I serve with and the inspired leaders that they are. I appreciate your friendship and support! Thank you! thank you!

As I was preparing my thoughts for Sunday, I came across this First Presidency message from December 1988 by President Ezra Taft Benson. I picked a few nuggets that touched me and thought I would share. Click here to read more.

"As we commence this Christmas season, a season of giving and receiving, I would like to discuss a few of the many gifts we have received from our Lord, Jesus Christ, and what we in turn might give to Him.

First, He gave us the perfect model—Himself—after which we are to pattern our lives. He said “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13.) Not only did He set for us the perfect example of earthly living, but for our sake He willingly gave His life. He went through agony both in body and spirit, which we cannot comprehend, to give to us the glorious blessings of the Atonement and the Resurrection. (See D&C 19:15–19.)

Some men are willing to die for their faith, but they are not willing to fully live for it. Christ both lived and died for us. Through His atonement and by walking in His steps, we can gain the greatest gift of all—eternal life, which is that kind of life of the great Eternal One—our Father in Heaven.

Second, in addition to the gift of the life of Christ, is the gift of His Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—“the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.” (D&C 1:30.) The Church is the organized means which God uses to establish and expand His work. We must work with it and in it, build it up, and move it forward.

Third, in addition to the gifts of the life of Christ and His Church, is the gift of scripture, particularly the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon was written for our day. Mormon, who compiled it, saw us in vision and was directed to put into the book those things God felt we would especially need in our time. We therefore should know the Book of Mormon better than any other book. Not only should we know what history and faith-promoting stories it contains, but we should understand its teachings. If we really do our homework and approach the Book of Mormon doctrinally, we can expose the errors and find the truths to combat many of the current false theories and philosophies of men.

“So I ask you, what can we possibly give to the Lord this Christmastime? Considering all that He has done and is doing for us, there is something that we might give Him in return.

Christ’s great gift to us was His life and sacrifice. Should that not then be our small gift to Him—our lives and sacrifices, not only now but in the future?...Yes, men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life.”

Try as you may, you cannot put the Lord in your debt. For every time you try to do His will, He simply pours out more blessings upon you. Sometimes the blessings may seem to be a little slow in coming—perhaps this tests your faith—but come they will, and abundantly. It has been said, “Cast your bread upon the waters and after a while it shall come back to you toasted and buttered.”

"But just as when one loses his life in the service of God, he really finds the abundant life, so also when one sacrifices all to God, then God in return shares all that He has with him." - President Ezra Taft Benson - Ensign 1988 - page 2.


I could truly share experience after experience of wonderful Christmases past... but not enough time in the day to do so. Enjoy your final preparations for Christmas and may we all be reminded of the "true" meaning this year!!

The Tree!

We were finally able to finish decorating our tree. Yippee! Brad put the last strand of lights on Saturday afternoon and I hung the ornaments Saturday night.



Notice the deer in the meadow on the entertainment center... this was a compromise between Brad and I. When we bought the entertainment center we had differing opinions on how we should decorate the top. Brad thought a stuffed bobcat reaching out to swat a pheasant out of the sky was better option than more traditional ideas. I thought differently and went with a more traditional approach. So I figured at Christmas time we could go with a more outdoor theme to help with Brad's desire to bring in nature!

Here is a random picture from our ward Christmas party this year. We had a LIVE Nativity with a some of our ward members and a donkey. It looks pretty good right? Nice work Emily!

We also met my family downtown to see the lights and Temple square last night. Then we headed to dinner at Trolley Square. More pictures below...

I hope you are all enjoying the holidays!

Check out some videos and clips from some of my favorite Christmas movies on the sidebar. Also, a video by Hilary Weeks from her Christmas album.

Great moments, small moments..

The Cab Ride.

So I walked to the door and knocked.

'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice.

I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, and then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'.

'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said.

When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice'.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.'

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said,'I'm tired. Let's go now'

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' she asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.

She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk…

What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?

What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

~Author Unknown


I had the opportunity to go with our youth group on Sunday to feed the homeless this past Sunday. What a unique opportunity to remind me of my many blessing and the little things I take for granted everyday.

A warm shower.
Heated home.
Food.
Job.
Family.
Gospel.

The list could go on and on...I am indeed blessed!

I hope we will all take this Holiday season to evaluate the time we spend on "things" and focus more on the "people" in our lives.

Enjoy even the small moments!

Family Dinner

I haven't had a chance to post about our family dinner a couple weeks ago. I have this fantastic picture of my dad that I just couldn't keep from all of you!

We went to my parents home for dinner the Sunday after Thanksgiving to celebrate my sister's birthday. Long story short... one person in the family was gone almost every weekend from Sept 30th (my sister's bday) until after Thanksgiving! My dad went on 3 hunting trips from North Dakota to Argentina and back to South Dakota during that time. (Hunting pheasant and doves for those interested!) He had a great time and has many wonderful stories!

My parents live on an acre with 2 horses, 4 dogs, and a cat. They are surrounded by 4-5 other non-developed acres. The fence surrounding their property is only a small 3 foot farm type fence and the dogs are more than able to jump over or run under it.

On to explain the picture... before we all headed home my dad was getting ready to feed the animals. This is apparently his apparel every morning and evening, however in the picture he is missing the tall rubber boots! (for those unaware of such technology - he has a headlamp, locator collars for his 4 dogs, and around his neck the remotes to find the dogs should they wander off searching for birds) Isn't he cute?!

We had a wonderful dinner and were able to get to know Jamie's boyfriend Ryan better. Here is a picture of them as well. I can't believe these are the only 2 pictures from that day! We sure missed Carly and Travis at this dinner... next time!

I hope you are all enjoying the Holidays! We sure are and finally finished decorating our tree! I took pictures yesterday and hope to have them up by tomorrow.

The Quest For The Perfect Tree...

Well it is that time of year again... the time we adventure out into the wilderness in the quest for the perfect tree. You may remember from the post last year, that this has been an annual tradition with Brad's family for over 20yrs.

The day started out warmer in the valley but as we drove up the mountains past Heber it started getting dark and cloudy.

When we arrived we all got ready and headed up the mountain. My unwritten rule is that we have to hike uphill to find our tree so when we bring it back to the truck we are hiking downhill. Makes life much easier!

After we all hiked for what seemed like forever... Monica & Chris as well as Megan & Dave had found their trees. I had also found one for Brad and I but he wasn't satisfied it was the perfect tree for us. So his quest continued. We all watched as the others cut down their trees and waited playing in the snow until Brad got back. He hiked probably another mile in a circle and still found nothing... (I was still standing by the tree I thought was great! Just in case..)

After a lengthy discussion, we decided the tree I was standing by was not "our" tree and continued to hike in a different direction. Another 1/2 mile or so we found a few trees that may work.. Nicole and Paul found a couple they liked and Brad continued another 50 feet and found the "perfect" tree! I came down and helped him decide that yes in fact it was a great tree. As he cut down the tree it fell up against another one before falling to the ground. We think that is where our "perfect" tree lost a few branches! After surveying the situation, we realized there was NO WAY the 2 of us could carry out such a heavy and tall tree by ourselves. This tree was twice as heavy as the one last year. So the waiting began... Paul and Nicole carried their tree down the mountain to get some help. About 20min later -it felt much longer than that - it was getting dark and colder by then. Chris and Will came to our rescue. To make a long story longer... all 4 of us had to pick up the tree and put it on our shoulder to carry it down. We all fell at least 1 time except Brad (he was in front and could see where he was going), I fell at least 3 or 4 times... Will almost landed on a branch that would have punctured his stomach but luckily he caught himself just in time! By the time we finally got back to the truck we were all worn out! We do enjoy our annual adventure... but occasionally get to do things the hard way rather than the easy way. Next year we will remember the tarp! A few pictures from our adventure...

Emma goofing around :)

Ali and Lily taking a break after hiking about 15min!

Us all waiting for Brad to find a tree!

Monica and Lily

Chris and Monica

Paul

Nicole making a snow angel...

Megan and Dave's tree

Monica and Chris family tree

Nicole and me

Brad and Chris loading our 20ft tree.. we had to cut off 4 feet just to get it to fit in the truck bed! Once we cut off the extra 4 feet it was about 100lbs lighter. Why didn't we think of carrying that piece down by itself --before we carried it all the way down the mountain??

Lily, Emma, Alison and Will waiting for us at the cars getting warm!

Megan and Dave trying to get their tree home without scratching the top! We had a neighbor call and ask if it was an elk we were trying to fit in there!

Brad asked him if he wanted to have pine gum in his car and he said "what if we just wrap it up really tight?" Dave cracks me up! Nice work you two!

This is what the tree looked like the next morning.. is that huge or what?? Brad cut off another 2 ft Monday morning before our dear friend and home teacher came over to help him lift it in the house so he could start stringing the lights.

Thanks Rob!

After Brad had put lights on the top 1/3 of the tree we had one of our favorite families come over to help lift the tree into the tree stand. Thanks to Greg, Josh, Caleb and Garett for helping out! It really took all 5 of them including Brad to set the tree in the stand!

Stay tuned for updates of the finished product!

Finished project

I know you have all been patiently waiting for the finished product. Well here it is!

It turned out pretty nice don't you think?

Brad was curious... how many of you would buy something like this? If so, how much would you pay for it?

Thanksgiving

This year we spent Thanksgiving with Brad's family. We had a great time and the food was fabulous! Brad and I tried a new recipe for sweet potatoes, we had eaten them at a friend's house last year and loved them. It is just like eating candy... sooo yummy! We even got Alison, Emma and Will to try them!

We enjoyed each other's company and played a couple rounds of "no teams" Catch Phrase, then watched a movie. Here are a few pics from the day....

Brad and Will played Monopoly while the rest of us played Catch Phrase...

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

A nice surprise...

I have been wanting a new jewelery box to display my necklaces better and to help keep them from getting all tangled. The problem is, that in our bathroom or bedroom there is no place to put a large jewelry box that wouldn't be in the way. A few weeks back, I went to a small group enrichment night with my ward on decorating our homes. One of my neighbors talked about using an old frame and by putting screen material (like a screen window) she was able to use it for hanging or displaying earrings. She also said it can be like a piece of art in your room. I thought that was a great idea so I came home and told Brad all about it. I thought there must be a way to make something to hang my necklaces on as well. Over the past couple weeks he has asked me questions about such a display and what I thought it may look like. I mentioned a few things and to my surprise I came home yesterday to this!

It still needs a few final touches - paint for one! But how cute is that? He even put a little frame around the edges and was so excited on how straight the edges were and smooth ready for painting. It will hang nicely in our bathroom and allow me to rid myself of a cluttered mess in my drawer.

I have such a thoughtful husband, he is always trying to find ways to make me happy. He seeks for opportunities to do nice things for me and makes me feel like a queen! He is so supportive with everything I do or even sign up for. :-) I couldn't have found a better match for me!

Thanks Brad for all you do! I love you!

Benefit Dinner and Concert

Just a quick post on the Benefit Dinner and Concert we attended Friday night for the South Valley Sanctuary. I can't believe I forgot to take pictures!

I am so glad we decided to support this event. The work they do at this shelter is so important for those who are victims of domestic violence in our community. The director and staff really have their hearts in the right place and are truly there to serve. They are still in need of donations or volunteers if you have a youth or enrichment activity coming up and need service opportunities please contact Heather at the shelter.

The evening started with appetizers and visiting with those in attendance. We had several friends and family there to visit with and it was great to get reacquainted with Tim's brother Tom and his wife Sandy. Brad grew up in the same ward as Tim's family and I went to high school with Tom.

We then took our seats and enjoyed salad while listening to a presentation by the director of the South Valley Sanctuary. Then Hilary's brother Mark (he is on the board of directors for the shelter) introduced her and we enjoyed our dinner and dessert listening to her sing familiar Christmas songs along with a couple songs from her new album. She did a fantastic job!

I am grateful for the opportunities all around us to serve others. Especially, during this time of year when there are so many "things or activities" that take our attention away from what we should be focusing on - gratitude and our Savior. This was a great way for us to start our Holiday celebrations.

I hope we will all be more aware of those who need a little extra this Holiday season. I am so grateful for this time of year to remind us of our many blessings and for the wonderful family and friends that surround us.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week!

And the winners are.......

Well.. the time has come to announce the winners of the Hilary Weeks giveaway. It has been so fun hearing from all of you, especially those that are new to the blog world and entered your first comment. Hopefully, now that you have conquered that first step you will feel empowered to continue leaving comments. :D

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

SUSIE "If I Only Had Today" CD

and because there were so many entries the 2nd winner is...

MELISSA "Christmastime"CD






Thanks for all those that participated! Especially those that jumped over from Jennifer's blog. Also, thanks to those who "actually" read the post about San Antonio to know a comment on that post got you entered 2 times in this "giveaway". I hope that even if you didn't win you will take the opportunity to purchase one of Hilary's CD's. You will be glad you did!


I will have "giveaway" for another talented friend in a couple weeks so check back again!

Holiday Benefit and Concert - featuring Hilary Weeks

I know I have emailed many of you but just a reminder of the upcoming concert at La Caille hopefully we will see you there!!

Hilary Weeks is having a Holiday benefit dinner and concert on Friday November 21st from 7-9pm at La Caille restaurant. If you haven't had the opportunity to go to La Caille the atmosphere is amazing! More details below. Check out this link for more info on restaurant.

There will be dinner and concert featuring best-selling LDS music artist Hilary Weeks. The proceeds from this concert will benefit the South Valley Sanctuary which is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter and supportive services, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to men, women and children who have been victimized by domestic violence.

If you and your family are looking for a way to give back this holiday season, please consider joining us for a fantastic dinner at La Caille followed by a concert by Hilary. Tickets are $100 per person and all proceeds benefit the South Valley Sanctuary.

For more information or to purchase tickets click here. To view the invitation


Please join us and/or spread the word. It promises to be a memorable and meaningful evening.

If you are planning to attend.. enter a comment here and we will have a separate raffle for those attending the benefit.


***Also... don't forget to enter the Hilary Weeks giveaway before Sunday morning Nov 16th!!

Hilary Weeks - Giveaway!

Here it is- the 1st of two giveaways. If you read the previous post you know that you got a head start!

I don’t know about you but until 3 yrs ago I had no idea who Hilary Weeks was. I think as I look back I vaguely remember seeing her CD once at Deseret Book and wondering if we may be related. (We are not, at least not within 2 generations) Anyway, 3 yrs ago my mom gave me her “Christmastime” CD and it quickly became my favorite Christmas CD. I loved her voice and the unique arrangements of familiar Christmas songs, also the 3 songs she contributed were beautifully written.

I am fairly picky with my “church” music so I didn’t purchase any of her other CD’s ; worried I wouldn’t love them as much. Then just over 2 yrs ago we built our new home and moved into Tim & Hilary’s ward. Brad and Tim grew up in the same ward so that first week at church we actually sat by them in Sunday school. From day one they were very welcoming and kind, which instantly impressed me. Now at first, I didn’t really put two and two together, even after we met them that first week. Yes I finally figured out she was THE Hilary Weeks of my new favorite Christmas CD! But it wasn’t until a few months later when she released her “Collection” CD that I decided to buy it and see what it was like. After listening through a couple of times I became a fan, the lyrics of each song are amazing and instantly you know she has a strong testimony of her Savior. In the past 2 years we have grown to love and respect Tim & Hilary as well as their cute family. I also had the opportunity to serve with Hilary in the YW this past year and have seen her in several situations- spiritual, fun, stressful, etc... She is as genuine as she seems and is always looking for the good in a person or situation. She is so great at building people up and really wants to see others succeed, she is an amazing teacher and always taught with the spirit. I will always appreciate her encouragement and support while we served together. I am grateful to call her my friend.

I want others who are unfamiliar with her music to have the opportunity to find out more about who she is. Here is a link to hear some clips from Hilary’s new CD. (Look on the right side where it says “a closer look” then click “listen to clips”. ) Her new album is amazing and when you read her expression of gratitude in the front cover you know she has a deep testimony of her Heavenly Father and trusts him completely. Her music truly speaks to your heart.

In her own words… “God will never let us down. It took me fifteen years and seven CDs to learn that. While creating my first six album projects I spent many tear-filled nights wondering if I could write songs that were good enough. Was I good enough? As I began writing for this CD I came to the realization that, though all along I may not have been good enough, God has been. He has made up the difference. Every time. As I approached this seventh project I decided to trust Heavenly Father completely. I was not going to worry about whether or not the songs would come—I just believed they would. And they did. Turns out, this is the most pleasant writing experience I have ever had. The late-night tears were replaced with trust and I felt God's hand in every song. He is there for us. And He will never let us down. I believe that. May these songs carry that witness to your heart.”

Many of my friends have mentioned not knowing who Hilary was. I thought, what better way to help those in blog land get to know her music than a giveaway! So here is the deal, Hilary has generously agreed to giveaway an autographed copy of her new album “If I Only Had Today”. Depending on how many entries I receive we may also have a 2nd prize, her “Christmastime CD”. It is almost Christmas right? And I am feeling generous!

In order to be entered in the drawing, you must make a comment on this post before Sunday morning Nov 16th. I will pick the winner out of a hat and they will be announced Sunday evening. Good luck! Feel free to tell your friends!

Here is another link to her website and blog.. go check it out.

San Antonio trip with my mom...what could be better?

**Disclaimer... get a snack settle in and enjoy this post.. but I warn you it is a long one but in my opinion very well worth it! **

When an opportunity to visit San Antonio where I served my mission I had to take it! My dad was going to be out of town for 2 weeks and when my mom and I were talking about things she could do why he was gone she mentioned TOFW in San Antonio. She had been wanting to go to a TOFW ever since my first experience last year but it just never worked out. So...with 8 days to go she booked our flights and within 24hrs we were all set to go. We wanted to stay right on the "Paseo del Rio" (River Walk) for those not familiar with downtown San Antonio it is beautiful!

Things I love about Texas... the Texas flag flies at the same height as the American flag. People use the shape of their state for anything from stepping stones in front of their homes to cookie cutters (yes I have them!), HEB (best grocery store ever!), BLUE BELL ICE CREAM...YUM! ok.. i don't love this one it is just another funny memory..there is an unwritten law that all overweight men MUST work in their yard without wearing a t-shirt and in short shorts.

The weekend could not have been more perfect. I got to spend time with one of my favorite people –my mom! And on top of that, being spiritually recharged by attending the Time Out Life Seminar (I had not been to this before and I would TOTALLY recommend it!) and of course the Saturday TOFW which did not disappoint. Another surprise was that my friend Sonia Lynn had just started a new job with Deseret Book a couple weeks before and was asked to travel with the TOFW seminar crew to get a better idea of how to perform her new responsibilities.


The weekend started with a visit to the dentist, not fun! I had been experiencing some pain above my jaw in my cheekbone and thought it was related to the sinus infection I had been to the doctor for on Monday. After a couple days of pain and realizing we were leaving on Thursday I had a feeling I should call the dentist to make sure this was in fact related to the sinus infection and not to some toothache that would get worse while I was out of town. My dentist asked me a few questions and determined it was probably a good idea that I come in just in case so he could run some tests to make sure it wasn’t something more serious. Well after 20min at the dentist’s office it was determined that one tooth was dead and I would need a root canal! It was about 2 hours before our flight took off and he said if I didn’t take care of this now it would get worse - especially while flying and I would be in a lot of pain. He promised to have me finished in 30min by putting on a temporary filling to get me through the weekend. Those that know me understand how terrifying this was.. I hate the dentist, not the man, but the experience. I get tense inside and am usually numb until well into the evening… I was not excited about the start of the trip but after it was all said and done it wasn’t as bad as I imagined it to be.

My mom was going to meet me at my house and we were to drive up to the airport together but after being at the dentist and running out of time we decided to drive separate. We did finally make our flight –barely!

Thursday evening we arrived in San Antonio around 7pm and were to our hotel by 8pm. We called Sonia Lynn and headed to the river walk for a late dinner. I have been back to my mission 3 times previous to this and there was only one time, with Brad, that I had experienced the river walk at night. I forgot how incredible it was! We found a Mexican restaurant, that ended up being not that great, but the ambiance was still fabulous! After dinner, we needed dessert. We walked around a bit more and ended up at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company. My mom had us try the most amazing caramel apple with white chocolate, cinnamon, and sugar. We also showed Sonia Lynn some amazingly cheesy Texas souvenirs… ahhh the memories! As I walked around I was reminded of all the Texas “stuff” I had in boxes at home.

Friday morning was the Time Out Life Seminar, which was AMAZING! If you see one in your area you should definitely go. The speakers that day were Sheri Dew, Wendy Watson Nelson, Virginia Hinckley Pearce, and R. Wayne Boss.

Sheri Dew taught us how we as women can be better leaders within our families, communities, wards, and our careers. She also helped us realize as women we have more influence that we think we do. She said women are leaders of future leaders… "who has more influence on a man than his wife?” OR “on a child than his mother?” She told a story of when President Hinckley was being interviewed by the press in Washington DC, (she said this happened a lot) they asked him how he felt about the oppressed women in the church? He answered “We get out of their way and watch with wonder at all they accomplish!” She also demonstrated that in our church we have at 3 organizations in each ward or branch which give at least 12 women the opportunity to learn leadership skills. She said that if you include every ward, branch and stake throughout the church we have more opportunities for women to learn leadership than ANY other organization in the world.

Wendy Nelson talked about how Satan does not want us to have good relationships with our families and friends. He will do anything to help us be as miserable as he is. She talked about how powerful questions are in relationships. Instead of telling your husband or children “I love you”; ask them “Do you know how much I love you?” OR instead of “You are adorable”; ask them “Do you know how adorable you are?” She said questions can be powerfully healing…. “What can I do to learn from this difficult relationship experience?” “If you change your questions you can change how you think and feel.” She asked us to keep track of the questions we are asking ourselves every day.

How am I to be my true self? How can I be my better self?

Why am I so blessed? Why am I so cursed?

How do I tell my story? What is the story that got me to where I am today?

What beliefs are holding me captive? What beliefs are moving me forward?

“Painful or confusing life experiences can lead to constraining beliefs so that … you see things that AREN’T there and you DON’T see things that are!”

“If you were able to believe that the Holy Ghost was your constant companion, how would your words, ideas, or thoughts change?”

She also said if you are ever having a bad day to read Alma 5 –“There are great questions that invite us to reflect on our lives.”

Virginia Pearce talked about the importance of learning. We should be always looking for ways to increase our knowledge and be continually learning. She said “You should saturate your environment with things that invite the spirit, the books we read, music we listen to, TV or movies we watch and the people we associate with." When teaching others… “Find out what their need is and let them know how you can help that need.” She encouraged us to find out ways to increase our spiritual learning by using things like Preach my Gospel manual or other manuals. There was a lot more to her presentation but not enough time to document it all now.

Wayne Boss talked about power. He said most people misunderstand power and its influence. Once again… he had a lot of information that is hard to document. Luckily they gave us a manual that we could take notes on which makes more sense than writing it down could. He said “Power is the potential to accomplish what you want to accomplish.” He gave us a list of 8 or so “types” of power and then had us guess which type of power is most effective. He said “referent power was the most powerful… it is not WHAT you know but WHO you know, which is based on trust.” He told us not to ever do anything that causes someone to distrust you – it will limit your power.

What I have shared is only a small portion of what I learned in that one day. I have to admit when my mom suggested we go a day early and attend the seminar, I was not that excited but I am so glad we went.

Representation of the line drawn in the ground by Lt. Col. William Travis stating "Those prepared to give their lives in freedom's cause. Come over to me!" It was a tradition to bring all new missionaries to this spot by the Alamo and have them "symbolically" cross the line stating that we were "prepared to proclaim the gospel" (or something like that.. who remembers the exact phrasing?)

Friday we had a 3 hour break where we took Sonia Lynn to the Alamo. She had never been and wanted to see inside and get some pictures. We also watched the movie which gives a bit more background. Then we headed back to the River Walk to get some food. We went to another Mexican restaurant that Sonia Lynn, Laurel and others had gone the day before and it was amazing! I had remembered this restaurant from 3 years ago when Brad and I had visited for the Temple dedication.

Mom, me and Sonia Lynn

Best Mexican restaurant on the River Walk! The Casa Rio!

We then rushed back to the Time Out Friday event where Chieko Okazaki spoke, Hilary Weeks and Michael McLean performed. I haven’t seen Michael perform since I was in high school and he was pretty funny.. I love watching Hilary and the more I do the more I am amazed by her talent.

Chieko was great! She was a lot funnier than I expected and she really spoke from the heart. She spoke about a quote she found by Joseph Smith in this year’s Teachings of Presidents of the Church Lesson 24. Where Joseph Smith says “I teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves.” I found this quote the most interesting she said “Heavenly Father will not override free agency even to bless us!” I had never thought of it that way but it makes sense. He gave us our agency to allow us to “govern” ourselves, he teaches us correct “principles” but ultimately we still have our agency. Sometimes we are posed with conflicting “good” principles she said to look at both principles and determine “what decision will honor the free agency of those involved?” How do you teach correct principles? By precept and example. She also said “the most important 20 min a day are spent reading the scriptures to our children.” She gave an example of children in her 2nd grade class that would come to her to tell on another child in the class. She would not listen to them but tell them to sit on 2 chairs facing each other, then they were to talk out their issues which allowed them to “govern” themselves and “govern behavior”. She never had problems with the children telling on each other again. Some of the things she accomplished with 2nd graders were amazing… not enough room to document all.

We left after the break, talked with some of our friends & staff at the event, and then Sonia Lynn and I went to the workout room in the hotel.

Saturday I was able to meet up with another one of my favorite people- Jill and her roommate Hannah. Jill was a life saver to me at the end of my mission and her friendship means the world to me. We hadn’t seen each other in at least 3 yrs and yet it felt like just yesterday we had seen each other. I truly cherish friends like this- it does not matter how long we go between visits we can pick up right where we left off. The day was filled with incredible nuggets ….

Emily Watts quoted from a book on adversity by Carlfred Broderick “The gospel of Jesus Christ is not insurance from pain, it is resource in event of pain, and when that pain comes…rejoice that you have resource to deal with your pain.” Isn’t this a great quote? All too often we think by being a member of the church that we are “protected” from pain or trials. I love love love how he stated this. The gospel is so simple and yet we are constantly making it harder than it has to be. Great reminder!

They had a Q&A session and one of the questions was about how to keep balance with family, life, career, etc...Hilary answered this one. She gave 4 things that has helped her keep balance in her life.
1. Do all the things the Lord asks of us.
2. Read the scriptures every day – refill our well (she can always tell by how she reacts to her children if she has read that day or not.)
3. Good, Better, Best – talk by Elder Oaks. She always tries to choose the BEST.
4. Take time for yourself – she loves date night (spending quality time just talking and enjoying time with her best friend!)

“We need to MAKE time for scripture study” and “you can read D&C 25 in less than 3 min”. –Carolyn Rasmus.

“What are you NOT doing that prevents the spirit of the Lord from being with you?” “Are you feeling peace? Why not?” “First things to go when we are busy - scripture study and prayer” - Carolyn.

“Bad things CAN and DO happen to righteous people.” – Carolyn.

“Sometimes life breaks our bows!” - Chris Stewart

Jason Wright discussed the lost art of handwritten letters. He said a handwritten letter takes more time to process and write so it means more than an email, text, or typewritten letter.

Jill and me on the River Walk where there is a band that plays "the music of the Andes" - such great memories!

I hope that by reading this you will have a desire to attend a future Time Out for Women event, and hopefully something you have read has inspired you in some way.

After TOFW was over, Jill came with us to walk around the River Walk one last time before meeting up with some other friends of ours that evening. Here are some pictures of the River Walk.. isn't it amazing? I wish I had more pictures.

Saturday night we were able to go to the BEST Bar–B-Q place on the planet - Rudy’s! Beef brisket that melts in your mouth, spicy BBQ sause (yes they spell it with an “s”), and cheap white bread. Doesn’t get better than that! Love this place, and we were able to meet Mike, Susie, and kids there also! Jill came with my mom and me to drive around San Antonio a bit. We drove by the Temple which took us by the “great and spacious building” all you TSAMers out there know what I am talking about! We then drove all the way around 1604 to get to Rudy’s by Sea World. We had so much fun! Thanks Jill, Hannah, Susie, & Mike for an enjoyable evening.
San Antonio Temple

Jill, me, and Susie

Wow that was a long post! Those of you that read until the end can get 2 tickets entered into a raffle I will be having later this week. Make a comment so I know you read this last line! Thanks for reading!