Thursday, December 18, 2008

The Reason For the Season

This video was sent to me by my sweet Uncle Mike. It was so beautiful. I knew I had to share it.

Monday, November 24, 2008

SCATTERGORIES...

Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They have to be real places, names, things. Nothing made up! You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question. And you cannot use the same word twice. I'm not going to tag anyone. Do it if you'd like to do so! :]

YOUR NAME: Nancy

BOY NAME: Nicholas

4 LETTER WORD: nape

GIRL NAME: Nicholle

OCCUPATION: nurse

A COLOR: navy

SOMETHING YOU WEAR: necklace

BEVERAGE: Nehi

FOOD: Nilla Wafers

SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: naked people

A PLACE: Nantucket

REASON FOR BEING LATE: No sense of direction

SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: Not!

Friday, November 14, 2008

A Legacy of Faith

"...And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end." ~Alma 27:27

I came across this scripture in my reading the other day and it really left an impression on me. When I leave this world, I hope that the way I have led my life will impress upon others my enthusiastic devotion...a zeal...towards God, that I was perfectly honest and upright in all things, with an abiding faith and an eager willingness to fulfill all of God's commandments. I guess I have a lot of work to do. I'll be here for a while. :]

Proposition 8

I saw the following video on my friend Laura's blog and wanted it for my own:



I've read a lot about what has been going on before and since Proposition 8 has been passed. I've been disappointed at some of the threats of violence, vandalism, and the picketing at the temples and churches in California, Arizona and in downtown Salt Lake City. I've been surprised by some of the people that have come forward in the public eye who have either been strongly for or against it. But I think the thing I've been amazed at the most are the strong opinions expressed to me personally in support of each side of this argument. In one discussion, I was asked which side I supported. After I expressed my support of Proposition 8 (marriage to be defined as only between a man and a woman), I was shocked at the response. It was pretty hateful. I was surprised at the lengths that this person went to try to prove me wrong. In my life I have tried to be open minded and to listen to both sides of an argument before making my decision. But this is more than just making a decision based on logic. My decision is based on a deep rooted belief in a principle that I believe to be correct. While I feel for their position, I won't change mine. The world is changing but we need to stick to what we believe. However, we can do it with love. In some cases, I have had to agree to disagree and move forward. As I learned on my mission, you cannot feel the Spirit in a discussion if the discussion is filled with contention. Anger and love cannot reside in the same heart. I love you all! I hope you enjoy the video!

Friday, November 7, 2008

One Year Ago Today

I can't believe it has been a year since Laurie passed away. It still seems so much like a bad dream. But it's not. :[ Every time I go over to my Mom's house and go down the hall where her room was, I walk past Laurie's door and ring her princess door bell. And, every time I do, I expect to hear Laurie calling out and saying hi to me. I miss my sweet sister. She is the best sister in the whole wide country and our family is definitely different without her jokes and sweet smile. We miss her laughter and her hugs. We miss her peaceful ways and the way she made each of us feel special just by being around her. She had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world. Not only is she a wonderful sister, she is a great friend. I look forward to the day when I can see her again. That will be a great day! I love you Laurie! Miss you much!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Thankful Thursday

Thankful: Gratitude, appreciation, or thankfulness is a positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive.

Here is my list for this week:

1) I am thankful for my sweet sister Laurie. Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the day she passed away. I still can't believe she hasn't been here for almost a year. It seems like just yesterday she was making her daily call to me telling me she was out of glue, needed me to change her light bulb, wanted me to turn up the heat, she wanted to go to Chevron, to a movie or to scrapbook with me. I loved the calls then and I miss them now. She is such a wonderful person, the most Christlike person I know. She was always thinking of others. She loved to make people laugh. She loved a good practical joke. I loved to make her laugh. When she laughed, it was with her whole body. Her smile could light up a room or brighten a bad day. I miss her but am reminded daily of the legacy she left behind. She was so accepting of everyone...didn't matter what you looked like, she saw the heart. What a great example she was and is to us all.

2) I am thankful the elections are over. I am so tired of hearing about them. I think the elections should only last three months from start to finish. We would have three months to look at the candidates instead of two years of the back and forth bashing and such. It gets so old. So glad it is over!

3) I am thankful for the scriptures. Michael and I have been reading every night and I love it! It has been so nice to feel that extra peace from the Spirit the scriptures bring into our home. We haven't missed a night since we made the goal to do it every day.

4) I am thankful for Michael. He is a good man and is so kind to me and patient with me. He is the best husband in the world! I love him so much.

5) I am thankful for fun friends and blogging. I have been able to get reacquainted with friends I haven't seen in a long time and I've been able to strengthen new friendships through blogging. It's fun to see what other people deem blog worthy. There is a variety of fun that you can find on each person's blog. Also, it's nice when you work from home to have that additional outside connection. It keeps me sane and entertained.

Well, there is my list for the week. Hope you enjoyed it!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

A New Day, A New Start

I came across the following article on Sharkbait's blog and it really expresses my feelings regarding the election. Obama wasn't my first or even second choice for President but I will try to put my feelings aside and support him as long as he doesn't try to lead America astray. I hope the change he talks about is a good thing that it will be in the best interest of the country in which he will now represent. I am grateful for the opportunity to live in a country where I have the freedom to vote. And, even though my candidate lost, I'm glad I let my voice be heard. Hope you enjoy the article.


A New Day, A New Start
Family Values Talk Radio by Bob Lonsberry
Tuesday 11-04-2008 11:55pm MT
It is a sea change, but not a mandate. And that's not a hit on Barack Obama, it is a challenge. A challenge to make his rhetoric about no more blue states and red states, but simply United States, actually mean something. Unity is earned, not declared, and the simple fact is that one more 51-percent president doesn't bind a country together.

Rather, like George W. Bush, he has tremendous potential to leave it decidedly divided. Democrats are exultantly talking about a wave sweeping the country, about a new hope and an era of change, but the fact is that almost as many people opposed Barack Obama as supported him. Those people aren't cheering today, they are licking their wounds. And while the best of them will give Barack Obama a fair shake, many made up their minds months ago about him.


So President-elect Obama must avoid the temptation to do an end zone dance with his friends. He must rather immediately and convincingly reach out to people who feel like he has looked down his nose at them and their values and culture. The people he once mocked as clinging to their guns and their religion are just as American as the people who voted for him, and almost as numerous, and the country will only become united if he respects them. If he, however, marginalizes them, if they continue to be the object of his scorn, the butt of his followers' jokes, there will be no unity. There will be merely smoldering resentments that will bear fruit in two years and four.


Barack Obama must throw his efforts and his abilities into the large task of winning over the people he hasn't yet won over. And those people must give him a chance.

Something as big as a presidential election is no more complex than a Little League game. You play hard and you hope to win but after nine innings it's about what's on the scoreboard. If you have the most runs, you win. If you don't, you don't. And if you don't, you accept the outcome and politely congratulate the winner. Win or lose with dignity or grace. That's the American way.
And the American way means that, when the votes are counted and the victor is declared, it's a clean slate. This is 2008, not 2012, and there is nothing to be gained by refighting the last election or by prematurely fighting the next election. It is the duty of every American to wish the new president -- every new president -- the very best, and to do the duty of citizenship, which is to build up, not tear down, and give the benefit of the doubt.


That doesn't obligate anyone to support anything they disagree with, but it does, in the name of decency, require people to give the new regime a chance, to give it a fair hearing. In our country, the president is the president of all Americans, and if the treatment of George W. Bush didn't reflect that, then we can try to do better this time.

Certainly, it has been a long time since either political party has held as much power as the Democrats now hold. But with that power comes a temptation to misuse it, or to fall prey to arrogance. The Republicans proved that, as both parties have in their turn. This can be either the beginning of a Democratic dynasty, or the beginning of their end. Which it is will be determined by them.

Largely, it will be determined by him -- by the president elect. The Democratic leaders in the Congress have proven over two years to be caustically partisan, to be enthralled with smashing and mocking all who fail to match their high liberalism. Whether or not Barack Obama can change that -- if he wants to -- remains to be seen. But here's hoping for the best.

Election Day is our greatest day. It is the defining American day. We fight wars as a means to an end, and the sovereignty of the people and the liberties necessary to protect that sovereignty are the end. We transfer more power than humankind has ever held on the peaceful basis of counted ballots. We do it with grace and faith. The grace to act as citizens and the faith that our system will work and the right will be done.

Barack Obama was not my choice, but he is my president. That is true of all Americans. For the last eight years, there has been an ongoing campaign of destruction meant to handicap and hobble the last president. I refuse to be part of an effort to do the same to the next president. Those who didn't vote for Barack Obama must set a higher standard of civility and citizenship than those who didn't vote for George W. Bush. In defeat, there must still be nobility. That doesn't mean silent servility. It doesn't mean differences and principles are ignored. But it does mean the new president gets a new chance. It means we all must pray for him and work with him to make our country stronger and safer and better.

Pretty speeches notwithstanding, there remains a great divide, much of it created by the recent election. To the extent it needs to be bridged, it will be bridged by an effort by the president-elect to reach out to those who don't trust him, and by an effort by the people to reach out to a president who might not trust them.

The last eight years have taught us what happens when you set out to destroy a presidency for political gain. You help your candidate, but you hurt your country. That pattern must not be followed with this new president. America must treat Barack Obama better than he treated George W. Bush.


He has preached a "shift to the center," he has claimed to be "post partisan." Through the campaign, those were just words. In the administration, they will need to be more. Or all the hope and the change and the hooplah will be meaningless hype. But today is a new day, and a fresh start. And the president-elect gets the benefit of the doubt.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Tag...I'm It!

Well, I've been tagged by my darling friend Chelsea. I'm happy to do it. Afterall, I have a fabulous husband and don't mind bragging about him one bit. :]

1. Where did you meet your husband?
~We met at a barbecue in West Jordan, Utah on the 4th of July.

2. How long did you date before you got married?
~We dated for almost 10 months before getting married. We met and began dating exclusively within a week of meeting. I know! Crazeye! But when it is right, it is right! :]

3. How long have you been married?
~ We've been married for 2 1/2 years.

4. What does he do that surprises you?
~Makes me breakfast almost every morning. What a stud! He does little thoughtful things all the time.

5. What is your favorite feature of his?
~I love his deep brown eyes, his soft hair, his strong hands and his cute bum. Can't get enough of him! :] He's yummy! (I know! TMI!)

6. What is his best quality?
~His caring heart and his loyalty to those in his inner circle. He is a very loyal friend and husband and cares deeply about his friends and family. He never talks bad about people. (Exception...the head cases at work. And even then its not specifics about people but about situations.) Your name is safe with him. He, in turn, has great friends, some of whom he has been friends with almost his entire life.

7. Does he have a nickname for you?
~He has several. The ones that come to mind...Best wife ever. Sweet wife. Honey bunches of deliciousity. My dearest love. Sugar smacks. My beautiful wife. Crazy pants.

8. What is his favorite food?
~He loves steak. He is a meat lover. Anything that can be grilled, he loves.

9. What is his favorite sport?
~He likes most sports but his favorite is Hockey. I won "Best Wife Ever" award when I gave him this.

10. When and where did you first kiss?
~Our first kiss was at his house on our third date. He made me a yummy dinner and we had just finished watching a really funny movie he had introduced me to called Murder by Death. We were sitting there chatting when he got all serious and told me how much he was beginning to care for me. Then he leaned in for the smooch. Best first kiss ever!

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
~Well, isn't that kind of personal? ;] Oh! Besides that? We like to read together, watch TV on DVD, go on walks, go on drives, cook together, cozy on the coach and chat...oh so many things.

12. Do you have any children?
~We have two precious little ones in heaven.

13. Does he have any hidden talents?
~He has a great singing voice. I love to listen to him sing and to sing with him.

14. How old is he?
~I'd tell you but then I'd have to kill you. (Psst. He's 40.)

15. Who said 'I love you' first?
~He said 'I love you' first. I said it right after he did. It was a surprise to us both. We had only been dating for three weeks. I knew about a week after that that I wanted to marry him. Never thought I could be someone who loved so quickly and easily. But he broke down those walls and melted my heart pretty quickly. I wouldn't say he had me at hello (because that is just too cheesy) but it was pretty close to it.

16. What is his favorite music?
~That is a tough question. He absolutely LOVES music. All music. Well, not the trashy rap kind of music. He has quite an extensive collection and is always listening to something new. If I had to choose only a few bands, I would have to say Reckless Kelly, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Beetles, Boston, Kansas, Eagles, Toto and Jimmy Buffett. He likes a lot of Classical music as well. It's hard to narrow it down to one type or one artist. Those are a select few of his favs.

17. What do you admire most about him?
~His dedication to the gospel. I never have to wonder if he will go to church or if he is worthy to give me a blessing. He takes his responsibilities with the priesthood and his callings very seriously.

18. What is his favorite color?
~His favorite color is green.

19. Will he read this?
~He will eventually.

20. Who do you tag?
~Anyone who would like to do it.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!!!

Hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween! Remember to keep smiling! :]

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Wanted...



Okay. I know some of you have never heard of Postum. But in my house it was a family favorite growing up. I remember many Halloween nights that included my Mom's infamous homemade Chili and a mug of Postum. Every year when Halloween comes around I crave a big warm mug full. Now for the sad news...they are no longer making it! I have about a third of a bottle left and then no more Postum. I can't find it in stores. I can't find it online for less than $30 a bottle (it used to sell for $4). What's a girl to do?! If anyone can find a bottle of this deliciousness and will give it to me, you will win 1,000 cool points and 5 gold stars! (I know! That would put you on the top of my list of ultimate cool people!) Now, a moment of silence for a fallen friend....

Monday, October 27, 2008

8 Favorites...

I've been tagged by a couple of people. Here are my answers. Keep in mind they aren't necessarily in order of importance, just how they came to mind. (I added a few extras on a couple of the questions because I couldn't narrow it down.)

8 Favorite TV shows (We have ghetto cable so we don't watch much TV. So I did all time favs)
1: Friends
2: Scrubs
3: Stargate SG-1
4: Wings
5: Will and Grace
6: Monk
7: The Office
8: Firefly
(Honorable mention: Boston Legal, Babylon Five, The Simpsons, My Name is Earl, Seinfeld, M*A*S*H, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Psyche)

8 Favorite Restaurant's
1: Sizzler
2: La Hacienda
3: Noodles and Company
4: Blue Iguana
5: Steak 'N Shake
6: Rafaels
7: Texas Roadhouse
8: Kneaders
(Honorable mention: Qdoba (went down on the list after getting rid of the Mole), Rumbi, Sweet Tomatoes, Tres Hombres, Pei Wei, Penn Station, Rodizio Grill, Olive Garden, Blue Plate Diner, Benihanas and Cheese Cake Factory)

8 Things that Happened Yesterday
1: Worked
2: Went to church. Michael taught Gospel Doctrine.
3: Watched some Scrubs and Farscape
4: Ate a YUMMY dinner Michael made for us
5: Cuddled with Michael
6: Did some blog and Facebook stalking
7: Read scriptures with Michael
8: Went to bed

8 Things to Look Forward to
1: Some scrapbook time tomorrow
2: Thanksgiving
3: Christmas
4: Getting out of debt
5: Lunch with the gals
6: Getting pregnant
7: Michael finishing his Masters
8: Buying a house

8 Things I Love about Fall
1: Day Light Savings...Love the falling back an hour in Fall.
2: Hot Chocolate and Postum
3: Getting cozy under a blanket with Michael
4: Leaves changing
5: The excitement in the air as Christmas approaches
6: Wearing my cozy furry slippers
7: The crispness of the air
8: That we are actually having a Fall this year in Utah

8 Things on My Wish List
1: To buy a home
2: Get prego again
3: Travel more
4: Have our debt paid off
5: A whole room dedicated to scrapbooking
6: To enjoy my job more and to find a way to not allow dumb people to affect me
7: For Michael to finish school and to be in a teaching job he loves
8: To finish my degree

8 People I'm tagging
1: Nikki
2: Krista
3: Polli
4: Wendy
5: Desiree
6: Chelsea
7: Melisa
8: Whoever else wants to do so

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Thankful Thursdays

Thankful: Gratitude, appreciation, or thankfulness is a positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive.

Here is my list for this week:

1) I am thankful for Michael. He is so good to me. Last week he had an unexpected day off but I had to work. And, instead of chilling, he spent the day doing nice things for me. He cooked me breakfast, lunch and dinner, did all the dishes and cleaned the kitchen. What a nice man, eh? I felt like the queen bee that day! :] He is also very sweet and supportive of my hobbies and desires. I am so lucky to have a husband who is cool with me scrapbooking all weekend with the girls. He is wonderful.

2) I am thankful Nikki, Alif and Justin moved back to Utah. It has been so nice having them here again! Last weekend was our KY scrapbook retreat but we couldn't go. So we had our own mini scrapbook retreat here. I would have been so bummed! Instead, a great time was had by all. Nikki has brought the crazeye back to our lives that we sorely missed and needed badly. Glad you are back Nikkeye! :]

3) I am thankful for friends, new and old, and answers to prayers. It always amazes me how the Lord knows just what we need in our lives. After the miscarriage I was quite sad, borderline depressed. Which, if you know me at all, you know it is so out of the norm. I'm basically a pretty happy, positive person and it takes a lot for me to be otherwise. Anyhoo. I was having a hard time pulling out of it. I prayed and prayed but couldn't seem to pray my way out of it. Then, what seemed like all of a sudden, friends popped up that I haven't seen for a while, phone calls came in, email messages came in, new friends came my way, all of whom buoyed me up, encouraged me and made me feel loved. Thanks everyone!

4) I am thankful for our home. We really love where we live. Our landlords are so great. Our place is light and roomy. We live in a great area. Our neighbors are so nice. I have never felt unsafe or scared to come home at night or to be home alone. We are very blessed.

5) I am thankful for the scriptures. About a month ago, Michael and I made a goal to read scriptures together every day. It has been such a wonderful blessing! I have felt a peace come over me and our home that I desperately needed. I love reading with Michael. He is so knowledgeable about the scriptures. And I love listening to him read. I have always loved his voice. It is so deep and manly. :] I am thankful that we listened to the promptings of the Spirit telling us we needed to do so.

Well, there's my list for the week. Hope you enjoyed it! Feel free to snag the idea for your blog. I snagged it from someone who snagged it from someone else. Enjoy!