Merry Christmas

Hope you all have a very merry Christmas and remember the reason for this day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXXwtFWpAI8


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FSQuHDIsVw

another project

Being home in Colorado for 6 days at Thanksgiving with everyone else meant we got a lot of shopping in. For some reason the shopping in Colorado is just so much better than Utah.  There are more places you can go to and have all the stores you need instead of having to skip around to different places here.  Ann Taylor is definitely one of my favorite stores right now and we found some good deals!  We all loved this necklace, but since $65 is WAY too much to spend on a necklace like this that doesn't have real pearls,  I decided to try to make one.  So I took about 30 minutes today and... success!

I purchased the materials for less than $15- and that is enough to make more than one necklace.  (I figure I'll do one for all the girls since we all got some fun things at Ann Taylor while we were there).
I started out with my supplies:  beading wire, some pearl beads (from Michaels- they were 2 packages for $5), some 10 mm jump rings, and crimping beads to put them together. Also, some black tulle and black ribbon.

Here are the beads I purchased. 

The lighting in my apartment is horrible, so sorry for the bad pictures! 

the jump ring with the crimp bead to start. 

I cut the strips of tulle in about 2 inch strips. It was hard to tie any smaller ones.  Since the tulle Ann Taylor used was a lot thicker/heavier fabric (and I couldn't find any like that), I used 3-4 strips tied between each bead.  Here is my progress:

Then, you add the other jump ring and put ribbon through each end to tie it around your neck. Here is the final version (with shadows in the picture, unfortunately).

It's not the same as the $65 one, but I still think it turned out fairly well.  :) 

(finally) my Christmas quilt

I started this quilt back in November and finished it before Thanksgiving, but just haven't gotten around to posting about it.  It is my first quilt (a rag quilt) and I love it!!  Since I have so few Christmas decorations, and my sister wanted me to make a quilt, we decided to go with a Christmas one. I decided holly berries would be cute along with a little white and black fabric mixed in and she did the design and measuring and all the difficult stuff. We had a fun time picking out fabric (there is sooo much cute stuff out there) and began.

I love the finished product!! It makes me want to do another one. I am thinking a cute Valentine's one, but we will see...

candy canes!!

A few weeks ago we had an activity at a Relief society meeting where we learned how to make homemade candy canes from a sister in our ward. I was unable to make it and was super bummed, but luckily some friends were nice enough to do a second get together and Jake and I got to learn.  I am not very good at twisting and shaping them into candy canes, but it was fun to learn. Here are some pictures (though not good ones).  We made blue and white ones too- for Aggies as most people would say up here, but I would say it's for BYU. :)

graduation and such

This past weekend was so much fun! We had family come up for my graduation and then drove down to Provo on Sunday for the blessing of Brent and Christa's baby girl, Brinley.  She is so cute!! We also had a fun time with family and enjoyed hanging out and playing with the nieces and nephews.  My parents and my brother Richard came into town from Colorado, which was so nice of them.  We also appreciate all those who braved the snow storm and drove up to Logan.
Jake is the current favorite uncle of Liberty, Jen's little one and once she was on his lap in church, she wasn't going any where.
We love our family so much and are so thankful for these holiday times when we are closer to them.

I am so spoiled!! Jake got me a new MacBook Pro for my graduation and it has been fun to set it up for work and everything.  He told me it has tons of memory and will keep working super fast with all my work programs that I have to run.  My parents gave me a beautiful vase that was my great grandmothers.  It is beautiful!!

My sister Jennifer made me a beautiful wall hanging for Christmas.  We hung it up last night and it is so cute! Thank you to everyone who came. It is so fun to feel the love of family and friends.

project

Ever since Hopeful Homemaker did her cute jewelry board, I've been wanting to make one to house all of my necklaces that I never know what to do with. The problem with me and jewelry  or shoes or clothing is that if I don't see it, I forget about it and never wear it.
So I finally got around to painting some of my frames from DI.  Side note: DI is wonderful. In Colorado we only have Goodwill or Savers and it does not compare at all.  (More on painting my frames later- this is another idea from hopeful homemaker - who by the way is my oldest sister).
I  fell in love with this fabric when going to fabric stores with my sister to find fabric for my christmas quilt (pictures to come) and decided I was going to make the board.

After a week of just sitting leaning against the wall on my bedroom floor, Jake helped me figure out a cute way to add some pegs and it was hung. Here is the final product.

You're Invited!!

Thanksgiving

Here's a short video that my brother put together of our fun times.  Thanksgiving was wonderful.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=satchelito#p/a/u/0/_1gPg4HbmWg

thankful

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I love that President Lincoln created a day of Thanksgiving in our country.  I can't wait to go home to Colorado for Thanksgiving- 7 of the 8 siblings will be there and we will have some Sheffield fun. This will be the first Thanksgiving Jake has spent with my family and after Thanksgiving we are going to cut the famously tall Sheffield Christmas tree which is a great tradition.  Cutting your own Christmas tree is so much more fun than going and buying one at a grocery store.  Hopefully Jake and I will continue the tradition some day.
I hope that we all remember to stop and express thanks this year.

 some of the things I am grateful for currently:

My wonderful husband
being able to work from home
the fact that I graduate in 2 1/2 weeks
hot chocolate
creating
a warm home
family
Christ
the temple
prayer
the weekend
being healthy (I think I may be coming down with something)
sleep
exercise
you

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving this year spent with friends and family.

so this is a really late post for Halloween, but I was going through my pictures and realized there was one picture I took that actually turned out cool! (That never happens to me)
We went to a fun corn maze and with our next door neighbors who have now moved away (so sad!) and then came home and had hot chocolate and watched The Village. It is one of my favorite movies- because I love the scene when he (I can't remember the person Joaquin Phoenix plays in the movie) is sitting on Ivy Walker's porch.
Anyway... there's my random post for the day. (And hopefully my picture taking skills will improve one of these days so I have more to share).

its official

Planet Fitness and I are now friends for at least a year .  I even got Jake to go with me tonight. Let's hope I'll be going to visit my new friend often.

And afterwards I can reward myself with free tanning :)

so close!

I can't believe how fast this semester is going!! I just counted and including today, there are 14 days of school left + finals week!!!

I have so much to do before that time!!! Hoping I make it.

congrats Ashlee & Eric!

we went to Salt Lake last weekend for the wedding of Jake's sister.  We wish you guys the best.

marriage

We are down in Salt Lake for Jake's sister, Ashlee's wedding today. I have been thinking about advice that one could give to a newly married couple, and a quote by Gordon B. Hinckley stuck out to me:

“I am satisfied that happiness in marriage is not so much a matter of romance as it is an anxious concern for the comfort and well-being of one’s companion. Any man who will make his wife’s comfort his first concern will stay in love with her throughout their lives and through the eternity yet to come” (18 June 1995).


Constant concern coupled with commitment to Christ and living the principles of the gospel make for a happy marriage and happy life in this life and the life to come. 


Congrats Ashlee and Eric!

so blessed

A baby has a special way of adding joy in every single day. 

A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.
-- Eda J. Le Shan

I am so blessed! Today a new niece was born. That makes 19 nieces and nephews. They are all so sweet and they all have their own personality.  I am so excited for my brother and sister-in-law, what a great and exciting (and tired) time for them! I can't wait to meet Brinley.

I'm trying

I'm trying to be like Jesus. I'm following in his ways. I'm trying to love as He did in all that I do and say. At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice, But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers, "Love one another as Jesus loved you, try to show kindness in all that you do. Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought, for these are the things Jesus taught".   (by Janice Kapp Perry).

I have sung this song since I was a child.  I love it. I think it purely expresses the desires of my heart.  And so, I am trying. Every day.

This is one of my favorite paintings. "He Anointed the Eyes of the Blind Man" by Walter Rane.

I love how the focal point of the picture is Christ's hands. The man he is healing is more prominent than Christ himself. It shows the selfless service and love of our Savior.

books

I love books. I love them for so many reasons.  Here are some of the reasons below as stated by others:
"The first time I read an excellent book, it is to me just as if I had gained a new friend" -Oliver Goldsmith
Only in books could you find pity, comfort, happiness - and love. Books loved anyone who opened them, they gave you security and friendship and didn't ask anything in return; they never went away, never, not even when you treated them badly." -Cornelia Funke


Lately in my class on Don Quijote we have been discussing books and how Don Quijote is a book about books. Some scholars have written some very interesting things that have made me think of how I read.  Carroll B. Johnson wrote about Readers and Reading and some of the things he said stuck out to me:
"everyone reads, everyone assigns meaning to what he reads, and everyone is affected by what he reads."
"When we humans confront any reality, we experience an imperious need to make sense of it. We do this by referring whatever it is to some code or signifying system we have already internalized" 
"each man reads the way he does because he is who he is, or more accurately, who he has become...Life presents us with choices, each of us chooses one possibility instead of the others available on each occasion. Over time our choices organize themselves into a pattern typical of each of us. Our history, the aggregate of the choices we have made, comes to define our personality. We are what we have become."
"we read the way we do because we are who we are"
"Like the characters themselves, we all read, we assign meaning to what we read, and we are affected by what we read. In fact, because who we are determines how we read, it might be said that as we read the text, the text is simultaneously reading us, in the sense that our reading has the power to coax out of us and make us recognize aspects of ourselves we didn't know were there, and might prefer not to discover." 


In reflecting upon these comments, I believe it is true. In the past few years I have noticed more about myself lately; namely the fact that I like certain books because the characters have good values, or I like a certain topic because I am struggling with that issue at that point of time in my life. I have come to the conclusion that the reason that we come to love books so often is that they are reading us- our hopes, our fears, our dreams, our desires, our curiosities, etc.  Often what we read helps us understand who we want to become or the choices we want to avoid making in our own life.  I sometimes read and find meaning that relate to faith in God, or other symbolism that I believe I would not see if the text were not also reading me at the same time. Thank goodness for knowledge, for the chance to read and become who we want to be.  I know many may not love books, but this is just another reason that I do.  
What do you think?  Do you think that "we read the way we do because we are who we are"? 

design

I work for a graphic design company.  It is fun because I get to see logo designs everyday.  However, it makes me wish I knew more graphic design.  After I graduate I am considering taking a class to learn it better.  I also have a CS4 "for dummies" book that I want to go through to improve my skills. I know basic Adobe Illustrator skills but am going to improve... at least that's my goal.
Recently, I got to create a logo for my sister's blog.  It is very simple and really didn't require much work from me, but it's a start.  I am hoping to get better and one day design my own blog layout, etc. We will see.

here's the logo I designed, (hope Jen doesn't mind that I'm putting it here)

question

So I was thinking about some differences between my husband and I. Last night we watched the Office episode from last week. We have cords that just hook our macs up to the tv so we can watch it there. For some reason my computer wasn't loading the video so we had to use Jake's. In doing so I realized a few things about myself.

1. I rarely have the volume on my laptop turned up. Most of the time it is on silent because I take it to school, etc and I can't stand the annoying beeps and noises that some programs make. When I want to listen to music or watch a video, then I turn it up.

2. My husband always has the volume up. And when he needs it off, he pushes the button several times to turn the volume down instead of just pushing one button that totally mutes it.  This sometimes annoys me because, as many of you know, I am often impatient and I think it is very inefficient. 

3. we have this same difference with other things- especially playing games on the wii. We rarely use our wii, but recently purchased the old school tetris and have enjoyed playing it when we need breaks in between studying.  (I have many fond memories of playing Tetris with my Dad)  I want the volume down, and Jake is not annoyed by the same weird techno/elevator music going the whole time, full blast.

It's all about personal preference.  

So here's my question: how many of you are like me and live without the volume and how many of you always have it on? 

only 5 weeks left of school!!

I just counted in my planner. Only 5 weeks left. Not counting Thanksgiving week and finals week, which is also graduation week. I can't wait.  In submitting my paperwork for graduation, I found out I only have to get a 2.6 GPA this semester to still graduate "magna cum laude", which cracks me up because my GPA from BYU was not that high; so I am sometimes not as motivated as I should be. But I'm pretty sure I will still get A's in all my classes since that is the current grade I have and I don't anticipating doing anything dumb to change that.  It's amazing to see how the level of work and easiness of the classes are different here than at BYU- I guess that's why BYU is ranked as one of the top schools and USU is not. I am sad my diploma won't have BYU on it since that's where  I associate myself and still find myself saying "you guys" when I talk to USU students, but oh well.
Anyway, back to the whole point of the post- I'm excited!! I know it has taken me forever, but at least I am doing it. And I don't have to take any more school in my whole life if I don't want to. Maybe one day I'll decide what I want to be when I grow up and go back to get my Masters, but for now I am content to have a break and do things I've been wanting to do for a while- like pick up a good book just on my own or take a photography class, etc. And maybe if my Christmas quilt turns out I will have to do another.... we will see.

fun with mi hermana

Last weekend we had fall break so we went down to American Fork to stay with my oldest sister Jennifer and her family for a few days.  Jen and I got pedicures, went on a hunt for some cool frames, and planned a Christmas quilt we are going to make.  My sister is very talented as far as quilting and has been wanting me to try to start with a rag quilt. So we went fabric shopping- which is so much fun and Jen sketched up a cool quilt for me.  We cut the fabric and are going to make it when I go down there in November.  Can't wait!
I wanted to do red and green and also add a little white and black to the quilt so we are going to do that and then on the black and white sections add some cool holly berries.  I will post pictures of the final project when it is done.
I stole some pics from her blog with our fabric and toes.

the innocence of a child

I am currently holding my 2 month old niece as I type. She is sucking on her pacifier and has fallen asleep. It is such a miracle to think of her small body and her sweet spirit. Babies are the best.
And they are so cute as they get older. Helping Liberty (2 years) get dressed and put a flower in hair was so fun. She was so excited to see the flower in the mirror. How sweet.  There is something so precious about children; their love, their humility, their willingness to forgive. No wonder Christ asks us to be like them.

the comfort of family

I am recovering from being sick for a week and am very, very far behind in school. Since I am currently looking for a book that I have to write a paper on that's due tomorrow and I have no idea where I put it after finishing reading it, I decided to take a break and finally post.

October 3-4th was General Conference and my parents were in town for Sonora's baby blessing, and we had family pictures and Jake's mom's birthday with his side of the family, so we headed down to Salt Lake.

Friday night we went to the USU vs BYU football game, which was really fun. We got to sit with Brent and Christa who have third row seats, so it was an awesome view. Right behind the BYU bench, it made me feel like a BYU student again, which I miss so much. No one even had to know I went to USU.... (I always joke that at least I picked the right schools because the colors are still the same from high school- navy and white and silver. Gotta love it). The game was fun and my Dad was there with 3 of the grandkids too. Traffic was the worst I have ever seen it in Utah on Friday afternoon and evening, but at least we made it to the game.

Saturday was general conference- oh how my spirit loves listening to those inspiring messages. I want to improve and be a better person and listening to conference always pushes me to do so. In between sessions on Saturday we had family pictures with all of Jake's extended family (after much complaining I wore the specific color requested) so we went to Vivian Park up Provo canyon and it was beautiful.

Saturday night the men went to Priesthood session and the girls went shopping. So fun. I found the CUTEST orange purse at Dear Lizzie in Alpine and since mom was in town we had to go to Tai Pan trading too. We also got together with Mariela. Jake and Mike taught and baptized her on their mission in Pennsylvania and she recently returned from her mission in Idaho. She is so sweet- originally from Peru and called the missionaries when she came to the US. Funny connection- she first found the sisters phone number so I was able to talk to her and then (since she lived in Jake's area) he and Mike were able to teach her. She is amazing and one of the kindest people I know.

Sunday was a treat. More conference, wishing Jake's mother a happy birthday, and Sonora's blessing. Jen went to so much work and had a darling cupcake bar for dessert after the blessing. Jake got a few games of Acquire in with the boys (I don't know why it always ends up with just the boys playing) and we headed back home to Logan and had to say goodbye to everyone.

What a wonderful weekend. I love being with family- it warms my heart to smile and chat and just enjoy everyone's company. Enjoy the pictures.

Trenton kissing his little sister's forehead, two of my favorite men.

the cupcake bar with all of the different frosting options

this is what Liberty does when you tell her to smile for the camera- she must have got it from her oldest brother.

cold and flu

When I get over this cold and stop coughing and feeling sick and caught up with school I will post more.

this weekend was great and we took a bunch of pictures- thank goodness for family.

We bought our plane tickets for Thanksgiving in Colorado- yay!

a spiritual feast

I am so excited for this weekend. I have been looking forward to it for a long time. My parents are coming into town today for Sonora's baby blessing on Sunday and we will be down in Salt Lake to see them and also to wish Jake's mother a happy birthday. I feel like its been so long since we have seen our family members and I can't wait. Tonight is also the BYU vs USU football game and I am so excited to go to it. It reminds me of my fun times as a BYU student and makes me wish I were still there.

But the best part of this weekend is the spiritual feast. This weekend is general conference weekend for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is such a wonderful time. We get to hear from inspired church leaders and it warms my spirit to do so. I am so grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who loves us so much to give us continued revelation. Just as God called prophets and apostles in the bible to help guide his people, he does so today. Why would a loving God call prophets to the earth at that time to teach his children and not do so now? No, a loving God still loves us and still leads us. He has a prophet on the earth today. And I can't wait to hear from him and the twelve apostles this weekend. Some may say that we are crazy or that apostles do not still exist, but as you read the bible and learn the organization of Christ's church when he was on the earth, he called apostles and gave them the priesthood- the power and authority to act in His name. This authority is not just given by a seminary or on a piece of paper, but from God. I am so thankful for continuing revelation today and I know in my heart from many experiences that when God prepares people who are willing to truly listen, they will feel the spirit so strongly through General Conference. I can't wait. Saturday and Sunday this weekend I will be taking notes and praying to know what I can do to become a better person and a better servant of God. What a feast. And I'm ready to dig in.

sobrinos

baby Sonora, with nieces and nephews and Jake's little sisters

Lexi

I am so blessed to have 18 nieces and nephews (with the 19th on the way). They are so cute and I love hearing about their lives and the cute things they say and do as they grow older. I am from a family of 8 kids, but was one of the youngest so I don't remember helping out very much. But since I have had nieces and nephews I have learned so much and have found so much joy in their sweetness.
Every time I visit them -whatever state they may be in- they melt my heart. When I went to school at the Y, I always knew I could go see some of them if I was having a hard time. They love you no matter what and get so excited to see you. I am excited to see Jen's kids (all 8 of them) this weekend along with my other siblings down in Utah County and my parents who will be here for baby Sonora's blessing.
Each of them has such a unique personality and is so fun to be around.
Nathan has grown up so fast. I remember how fun it was when he was born and now he is 12- turning 13 next June. He went with us to the Jon Schmidt concert lately and it was so fun to talk to him and hear what a smart young man he is. He always finds a way to make us laugh and you know your nephew is getting old when he has his own email address!
Emmeline has her own email address too. She is fun to be around and I love hearing her tell about gymnastics and see her doing cartwheels around their house. She loves clothes and changes her outfit a few times a day sometimes. She came to the concert with us too and it was so much fun.
Benjamin loves to talk and has a pretty big imagination. He tells such fun stories and is always trying to get a trip to the toy store out of you:)
Anna is so sweet- it is her birthday next year and she is in 1st grade now. She loves sitting on Uncle Jake's lap and stealing his hat, shoes, etc.
Marian has a strong personality and is so fun to play with- even when she's mad and screaming about something. She always has her cute little bangs falling into her eyes. It is so fun to make her smile when she is upset- she fights it so hard!
Trenton and I are tight. When I moved back to Utah after my mission and lived with them for a few months, we became great friends. He gives the best hugs and is growing so much- I still want his tight hugs when I see him, but he is getting old and becoming such a big boy now!
Liberty is darling and just wants to follow her older siblings. Since she learned how to say Jake's name lately she has been such a tease and calls for his attention before doing anything.
Sonora is only a month old, but she is so sweet. holding her I think of her sweet spirit that was with God not too long ago.
Madeline is so grown up- she is very responsible and very creative. I think she can take better pictures than I can thanks to her moms photography skills. I really need a trip to Colorado to see my nieces and nephews there.
Savanna is fearless. She will jump of any thing and is not afraid to get involved. She has been learning so much in school.
Christian is all boy. Give him a ball and he loves it. Give him a ball with his uncles around and it is even better.
Emma - also known as tornado- has so much energy, it makes me want to bottle it up. She is very determined to do something, even if she is told no. What a fun girl to be around.
Clark is so small and so sweet. Holding him brings peace to my soul. We are so glad he is growing big! Next time we go to CO we will be shocked to see how big he is.
James is awesome and recently had a birthday. He is in school now and looks so handsome in his glasses. He loves his dad so much.
Andrew and James are such close brothers. Andrew is a little sneaky, but so fun to be around. He has an awesome smile. - more Colorado nephews.
Gabby is grown up. She is a chatterbox and will tell you everything. But she is very nice too. When we saw her last August, she told us that we could come visit them in Washington and play rock band with her. She is playing soccer now.
Jake is getting so big! We haven't seen them since Christmas, but he looks bigger in every picture we see. he is now a big brother because
Lexi was born last week. I can't wait to meet Lexi and hold her and watch her as she grows up.
I am so blessed. And can't wait to have another new niece in November.

ice cream and the gym

This past week I have been going to the gym. Let me tell you the story behind this. After 1-1/2 years of marriage, my husband finally admitted to me that he hates exercising and that he probably never will exercise, let alone with me. (this is after many conversations regarding helping each other get in shape, etc). So, I finally realized that I have to get in shape without him. I tried to explain that he didn't have to exercise when he was younger because he was active playing basketball, etc but that didn't work. Plus as a guy, he has the added benefit of not stressing out about it as much. (he also has the height advantage so it's not as obvious when he gains weight)
So, I have no decided that my best option is to get a gym membership. We have a hand me down treadmill here, but the reason it was hand me down is because it is stuck in the uphill position and costs as much as it costs to get a new one to fix it. So I rarely run on it without wanting to stop 5 minutes later. Plus I have too many distractions when running on it- like homework to do, a dirty room to clean, etc that it is hard for my mind to get away.
Part of my decision to get a gym membership came from the realization that after working 8 hours a day at home, I HAVE to leave the house when I finish work. I have to do something, and going to the gym is a lot better than going shopping for something I don't need and don't have money for.
Thus begins my gym search. There are 3 or 4 gyms here in Logan and I plan on visiting all of them before making my decision. This week I got a 7 day pass to Golds Gym to try it out. So far I like it and next year they are building a huge one, so that is something to look forward to. But, my one week pass ended yesterday so the search continues. Hopefully the other gyms will let me try them out for a few days too.
Even though I have been going to the gym, I still need to change my eating habits. When I was in better shape, I used to go to the gym so I could eat my daily icecream bowl. Now, I'm afraid, I look like I've eaten way too many of those. But I still couldn't resist when dreyer's was on sale and had new flavors- hot cocoa and smores! Yum! Maybe I will have to start working out 2 times a day so I can still eat icecream.... we will see.
For now, I am happy for the added energy and chance to get some exercise. We will see how the decision making process goes.

Enrique's Journey

Just started reading this book today and am loving it (I am required to read this book for 2 of my classes this semester). It is so interesting and is about a boy who migrates from Honduras to the US to find his mother who came here to give them a better life. It is making me realize how corrupt Mexico is and it is a very interesting and fast read...so far. I have always thought of the trip from Mexico to the US, but not much of the trip from other countries through Mexico. Most people I talked to didn't want to relive their experience by telling all of the details, but I do remember some.
I remember talking to people on my mission about coming to the US. I remember them talking about riding on the top or underneath trains to get here and walking through the desert with no food or water. It always made me wonder if I would do the same thing also to give my family a better life- would I leave behind my 1 year old child, as so many people do and come here, not sure when I would return?
I listened to many cry about not knowing their children back in their country and only knowing their voice on the phone. Every milestone they came to was so hard on them- their child's birthday, their wedding anniversary, mother's day, the day they entered the US, etc. I watched as many marriages fell apart over the long distance- the spouse who was back home cheated on the other person here, or vice versa. I heard many tell of family or friends back home who took advantage of the money that they were sending. What strong people they are.
Too bad we don't live in a perfect world where they didn't even have to leave their country to find success somewhere else. But I am thankful for those I know who did- they have taught me so many lessons.
I think immigration and illegal immigrants is one of the most difficult political problems we have right now- and one of the most complicated- especially when you know some of those illegal immigrants.
If you ever want to know more about what they go through, this book is enlightening, humbling, and makes me appreciate what I have been blessed with.

her joy

my blog from yesterday perfectly fits the description of my mother- her greatest joy (and I'm sure greatest worry) is her children. For my parents, their family is everything. Yesterday was my mother's birthday and I spent it thinking of how wonderful she is. She is one of my very best friends and I love her so much. She and my Dad have given up so many adventures in their lives for their 8 children. Without us, they would be millionaires, probably retired and traveling the world now. But I know that they wouldn't change it for the world. I know this because they constantly remind us how much they love us.
One of my father's favorite verses is 3 John 1:4: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

So- Happy birthday yesterday Mom, and thank you for sharing your joy with us. Because of your example I know where to find my greatest joy. I love you.

our greatest joy

Through prayers answered and other revelation from God, I know that my greatest joy in this life will be through my role as a wife and a mother. I know this because I believe that families are central to God's plan for the eternal happiness of His children.
I believe that all of our societal problems can be solved by teaching good principles in the home.
I am so thankful for my home that my parents created for me as a child. An atmosphere full of love, with the proper perspectives. My parents always showed us through their example that we were their number one priority- not their career, not sports, not whatever wonderful extra activities we were involved in. I learned that- in spite of what the world is telling us, there are some things that are black and white- right and wrong- and that we will feel peace when we do what is right.
They also taught us to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. While none of us are perfect, it is only through Him that we can be saved. And thankful to his death and Atonement for us, we can repent of our sins- otherwise we would be lost- just as Adam and Eve would have been lost forever. I am so thankful that our loving Heavenly Father created a plan for us to have a Savior. I am not perfect, but each day I try to be more Christlike and I know that I am blessed as I do so.
Through the past year and a half of my life, I have grown so much through marriage. While some times have been hard, it has always been easier for me when we focus on Christ - as a result our family is strengthened. Each day the news brings another horrible story of something that has occurred, and those crimes against children are hardest for me. It pains me to see so many people not care for children the way they should- I believe they will be held accountable for their choices one day- as Jesus Christ taught us in the bible.
And I also believe that my greatest joy will be through being a wife and a mother. I know that both are hard, but I believe the family is so important, that it should be our number one priority. How I long for the day to hold a child in my arms and feel of his/her sweetness, to watch them as they learn and grow, and as they gain their own testimony of Jesus Christ.
I am so grateful for this knowledge- and to know that families truly can be together forever. I am thankful for the power of the priesthood that can bind us together and do (as Christ said when he gave this power to Peter in the New Testament ) bind us together on earth and in the eternities. (Matthew 16:18-19.)
So if I ever feel discouraged, I know that I can turn to my God and receive strength and encouragement. I know that through living the principles of Christ and strengthening my family- I will find the greatest joy.
What brings you the greatest joy in your life?

Dear ipod

Dear ipod,

I don't know why you decided not to turn on today, but I really wish you would. I only turned you off yesterday because I had to do some homework. I missed listening to your music when I got ready this morning- did you miss me ipod?
Please turn on tomorrow- I promise if you do that I will forget this and just count it as a nightmare. Did you really have to decide not to turn on now that the 1 year warranty is up? Don't you know that the only apple store is 2 hours away from Logan?
I know I haven't been very good and haven't been taking you with me on my daily workout- because I haven't been working out- but I really am trying to do better and promise I will pay more attention to you.
Please, ipod? Please turn on.

Sincerely,
Kristen

jon schmidt

Had such a fun time at the Jon Schmidt concert this past weekend and the week before. I haven't put the pictures on my camera yet, but wanted to link to my other favorite song of his that he wrote for his wife. (I used to know how to post videos on here and will eventually figure it out again, but for now I'm just posting links)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FenE0fc5lg

Not feeling very creative as far as blogging goes- trying to use all my creative juices on my paper due tomorrow, but hope everyone has a great week!

hope and healing

a neat video to watch today

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkWc_EKLs4E

books up to my eyeballs

school is now in full gear- it is the 3rd week of a 15 week semester. And it's my last semester too, which makes things more exciting- there actually is an end to look forward to!!

This semester, more than ever I have soooo much reading. Basically all of my classes are reading/writing classes, so it is so much fun. My wallet felt the weight of all the books I had to buy, in addition to my shoulders feeling the weight from my backpack also. This semester however, we found out about chegg.com from a wonderful friend which saved us more money than buying many of our books. Chegg allows you to rent a book for a semester for less money than purchasing it. My other books were purchased primarily at half.com and amazon.com, in addition to a few at the USU bookstore. Though i am sure that none of you care about the books for my classes, I am going to whine about them for a moment. Maybe I'll get some sympathy :)

Spanish 4900- my class on Don Quijote. We have the 1400 page book in spanish, as well as a copy in english, and 2 separate books with articles on the novel

Geography 4200 (or something like that) Geography of Latin America- the text book, plus 1491, plus Enrique's Journey, plus a book about the tomato trail.

History of Mexican Americans- textbook plus book on Cesar Chavez, plus Thrown Among Strangers, plus Enrique's Journey and one other that I can't remember the name of.

My latin american studies class has 2 textbooks plus 1 other book- the house of spirits by isabelle allende.

At least I have one easy class that requires no textbook- spanish composition and conversation. All we do is talk or write in class. Good thing, because I will be spending any time outside of class i would have been preparing in reading my other 16 books for the semester.

Ok. time to stop complaining and start reading. Hopefully the semester doesn't look like this for any of you. :)

The Power of Virtue

This is an amazing speech about the importance of virtue. I personally love Sheri Dew's words and have read several of her books. This article is something for the whole world to consider.

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/57746/Sheri-L-Dew-The-Power-of-Virtue.html

Freedom

This poem was sent to me by a dear friend and she gave me permission to pass it along.

Freedom

The flame burned bright in the darkened night,
to the joy of all gathered by.
Along came some seeking evil done
and beat till the flame near died.

Only embers glow to light those souls
and worried they'd lose their way,
They searched in the dark for just a spark,
and many began to pray.

The breath of desire ignited the fire;
rekindled the flame more bright!
Awakened faith kept them safe
in the darkness of the night.

The flame roared high in the blackened sky
illuminating truth again.
With God at their side the despot died
and their freedom began to mend.

Sleep if you will when light falls still
Or wake to freedom's call
But vigilance must be, to truly be free;
The unalienable right of all.


Copyright (C) 2009, Donna Scott Lawyer, All Rights Reserved

what I've been liking

So I know my blog is horribly boring, especially now that school is in session, but I recently read a friend's blog which mentioned some things she has been in to and thought I would do my own- this list includes things I am anticipating also.

Music:

recently purchased these 3 albums and am enjoying them, while still stuck on some older songs. I would have to say that some of my older favorites now are Feist ( weird video but love the song), Imogen Heap- hide and seek (although it is on her last album) , and Jon Schmidt's Love story meets Viva la vida. He made a new one without the Coldplay part because he had not received permission from Coldplay, but I prefer the Coldplay version. I can't tell you how bad I wish I played the cello too- love it!

I'm not sure about all of them, but my faves on the Ingrid cd are soldier and are we there yet. (btw I love Imogen heap's hair on the front of the album.)

I'm not a big movie goer since we usually judge our movies based on if it can wait until red box or not, but I am so excited for Where the Wild Things are and Cloudy with a chance of meatballs. (both books from my childhood)

I have so many books to read this semester but I have been reading a non-school book (just snippets some mornings) but it is so good- I would recommend it, especially if you are interested in women in the middle east and their rights there.

I also recently made a photo book of our summer break and can't wait to get it in the mail. I got a free coupon from Shutterfly, so I had to use it. I think digital scrapbooking is the only way to go these days- at least for me- it is so much nicer than keeping all the supplies on hand.

Oh and I've already written a blog on the shoes I am in love with- the brand is blowfish and the style is sherbert. I now have them in yellow and green, but recently found them on amazon in purple and think I have to have them! We are trying to exercise more and eat out less, so that will be my reward if we do it in a month. then, we can do a reward for 3 months, 6 months, etc. sounds lame and also like I am a 5 year old. oh well, I think it will work and that's all that matters.

Just a bit of what I've been enjoying. What about you?

school

Today is the first day of school for Jake and I up here at USU. I am not excited at all, but I can't really add more days to the summer break at this point.
Yesterday and last night it rained like crazy here. It woke us up several times. Hopefully I won't get soaked on campus.

Happy Monday to everyone!

my thoughts

Warning: This post does include 1. politics and 2. my opinions. If you are not interested, I suggest going to a different web page now:)

I have been shocked, disappointed and angered when I see so many people in our country resort to insulting people when they disagree with them.

We have seen it recently in so many places- in California where those who disagreed on Proposition 8 were called bigots, homophobes, etc. We saw people boycott businesses because people who worked their voiced their opinions and donated money to support prop 8. How sad that our country has come to that- that anyone who disagrees with you gets persecuted by being called names, losing a job, etc.

Sarah Palin Was destroyed by the liberals because they thought that they are better than her. For the left, a woman conservative or a minority conservative is one of the things they hate the most. So they will destroy that person in any way possible- through insulting them, through the media, by hacking into her personal email, etc. What a sad day when our country comes to this.

It has happened so many times and recently has come to my attention again. The CEO of Whole Foods wrote an article stating that he agrees that we need to reform the healthcare system, but does not agree with a state run system. Now, for voicing his opinion he is being called a bad guy who is allowing people to die and his business is being boycotted. This is ridiculous! Since when can we not voice our opinion in this country? Since when does a business get boycotted because someone stated their opinion?

I don't even shop at Whole Foods because I personally think the "organic" movement is just a way to get people to spend more money. There have been studies that show that eating organic is not any healthier for you, but I wish there was one by me now so I could shop there and show my support to the CEO. Honestly- has it really come to the point that if someone disagrees with the president that his business is attempted to be destroyed?

There are several companies that I know of who I strongly disagree with their values and priorities. And yet I may still shop there because I believe in a capitalist system where I look for the best item at the best price. While I will never donate money to these companies or support some of the programs and issues they support, I do occasionally shop there because the product is good quality. Often it is an inner battle for me to spend money there because I do not want to support their (usually liberal) policies and point of view. Examples? Apple, Gap, Inc, etc. The Gap product has significantly decreased in its quality through the past few years and there is no wonder that they have lost so much money lately. While I used to shop there frequently, their product has become worse so I do so rarely now. Apple donated a huge amount of money to fight proposition 8 in California- something that made me very upset. It made me withdraw any plans of purchasing from them for a time, but it is difficult because I know some of their products are the best on the market.

I guess my point with all this rambling is this: While this new trend of insulting people and ruining their reputation and livelihood is mostly one sided, I would hope that those on the other side don't get wrapped up in their game and realize that you can disagree with someone without insulting them.

To read the article, follow this link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204251404574342170072865070.html

For those of you interested, join the facebook page

I SUPPORT MR. JOHN MACKEY and WHOLE FOODS, INC.

update

Update from my last post- the shoes are on sale at dsw.com!! Monday I got my hair cut. I have been so sick of my hair and wanted a major change so I cut it short. I haven't taken any pics yet, but my inspiration pics are below. I have only had one day of it so far, but I love it!!


On another note- school starts next Monday and I am so not excited. At least it is my last semester :)

blowfish sherbert

About a month ago I fell in love with these shoes. Of course the store I was at did not have them in my size so I HAD to find another place to buy them. It led to a very thorough research, including the reviews, different prices on different sites, as well as the many wonderful colors they come in.
After getting them in the mail and wearing them the next day, I still love them and still want them in EVERY color. (ok, maybe I could pass on black and brown). So if you see them on sale anywhere, let me know. I picked these lovely flats in yellow but there is also orange, pink, red, green, black, and brown. I want all of them! Including red- I mean I might just happen to have 5 pairs of red shoes, but none of them are flats and they are all different shades of red, so I 'm pretty sure I could find space in my closet for them.
They have to be going on sale soon since they are open toed and fall is coming right?
(Yes, my husband thinks I am insane- sometimes I am, but not on this subject:)
And for any of you with wide feet, Blowfish is usually known to fit wide, so it is great!

back from the dead

I am back to the blogging world... for now. This past weekend was the Cache County Fair and we had a very fun time doing a booth. It turned out great and really enjoyed being there. Braden- Jake's brother and Ashleigh came up to help us. (thanks so much Ash, I miss you already). It was so fun to see a good friend and to spend more time with Braden.
Having Ash up here really lifted my spirits. It made me realize how fun life was when you had close friends. I have prayed this past year to find just one really close friend for me here in Logan and it hasn't happened so far. I really shouldn't be complaining because there are many fun couples in the ward that we enjoy doing things with- I just need one close girlfriend. Keep me in your prayers Or maybe I should just pray that my friends in Salt Lake move up here :)

a great day

Thursday was a great day. We drove down to Salt Lake so Jake could take his insurance test. (Anyone in the state of Utah who wants a quote on insurance -auto, home, renter, etc, talk to us). After being unable to take it with Jake forgetting his ID last Saturday, the day started out a success when he passed the test!! Yay for a new job and for getting paid again!
While we were down in Salt Lake I worked (I love being able to work from my computer anywhere) and we also went a few places.
First, to Ulta to buy my Curls Rock shampoo & conditioner, They had a great deal this week- $10 for a one liter.
Then we headed up to Park City to go to the factory outlet stores. I got a coupon this weekend for any Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic Stores- 30% off everything- even clearance items! (anyone who wants me to pass it onto them, let me know- it is good through Sunday). So Jake and I had a fun time shopping and got some new school clothes. We then went back to his parents house to build some tables for our booth in the Cache County Fair next week. All in all it was a great day, we had fun, accomplished a lot, and fell into bed exhausted!
Anyone in Utah is invited to come up to the Cache County Fair next weekend- Thursday- Saturday here in Logan. It goes from 11am-11pm and Shine Jewelry will have a booth there.

addiction

Ash showed me this cool video from So you think you can dance and I think it is such an amazing visual representation of what addiction truly does to us. It really touched me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXbn_1lbPpo

one of society's great lies

Excellence. Excellence is a great thing. But it seems that our society wants to under emphasize excellence. We see this in the concern of many that having a winner in a game will make us feel bad because "we're all winners" and we don't want people to feel bad. Or that grades are not important because they could hurt self esteem.
Sometimes I fear that the constant worry about not hurting our self esteem makes us erase the value of excelling in life.

One of my favorite quotes from the movie The Incredibles is:
Bob Parr: It's not a graduation. He's moving from the 4th grade to the 5th grade.
Helen Parr: It's a ceremony.
Bob Parr: It's psychotic! They keep creating new ways to celebrate mediocrity.

I have been thinking of excellence lately also with the discussion on the "universal healthcare" plan (which is misleading in the name itself since the name indicates that we do not all have healthcare. That is a lie- we don't all have health insurance (only 15% of us don't- including illegals)- but we all have health care. ) This bill will eliminate the need for doctors and health care professionals to excel. It will eliminate any reward for being better- as we use reward to often motivate us. I work hard in school because I know I will be rewarded with better grades. If I excel in my job, I am rewarded with higher pay, etc. Excellence is a good value in our society and rewarding excellence is good also. Society telling us that it does not matter is a lie.

"Reward is an incentive to excellence. That is a good thing." - Dennis Prager

do good.

"What is the purpose of life it not to do good?"

-Dennis Prager

my new goal

For anyone who has seen me recently, I desperately need to loose some weight. I have become way too out of shape for comfort. But, at the same time I don't want to be someone who is constantly on different types of diets- no carb, weight watchers points, etc.

I have realized,lately as I have thought about what I want for myself in life and also in reading the blog (see link on previous post) that i need to start small and do what works for me.

And I know that it's true- If I'm not willing to do it everyday for the rest of your life then it just won't work. And no, I'm not ready to eat no carbs for the rest of my life or count my points. So I am just going to watch what I eat and exercise more. That I can do for the rest of my life.

perfect body initiative

I have to thank Hannabeth for pointing this out on her blog. I really like Regina Spektor but hadn't heard this song because I only have one of her albums. But the song, Folding chair has a line that says "I have a perfect body..."
This blog has started a perfect body initiative and it is really fun to read. It makes me appreciate my body more. I have also been thinking lately of how our Creator created our bodies- with the ability to heal itself and our resiliency.
Anyway, check it out here:

http://or-so-i-feel.blogspot.com/search/label/the%20perfect%20body%20initiative

finally back

We are finally back from all our summer vacations and into the groove of normal life. We had such a fun time in California for 2 weeks and spent most of the time there relaxing on the beach. It was so nice to see my Grandpa and to spend some time with David & Wendy and Ash & Nate who came for the 4th as well as Brent & Christa and Scott.
We also drove to Palm Springs one day to see Grandma. Christa got to finally meet Grandma and got a picture with her and her "owl eyes". This trip really made me appreciate even more the wonderful heritage I have and my grandparents- in spite of -or better yet- because of their quirks.
We have one month of summer left before school starts again and I a still have one big book to finish to accomplish my goal. We also are doing a booth at the Cache County Fair for the store in August, which will be an adventure.
At the end of the summer we are hoping to maybe, possibly, depending on the situation, squeeze in a trip to Washington before school starts. We shall see.