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!