The night before my surprise party was Cory Dan’s birthday sleepover. I should have been waiting for something like this, but for some reason the thought never crossed my mind. The next morning, I was up a little early, as was Jon. He was standing in the dining room and I was in the kitchen getting some cereal. All of a sudden he starts laughing and says that we’d been toilet-papered. I didn’t believe him at first, but then I remembered that Cory’s party was the night before.

I do have to say… I’m a little disappointed in these kids’ parents. Check out the half used rolls of TP laying in the yard and on the cars. They could have done so much more damage! 🙂

Lani also posted some in-progress pictures here.

Regardless, we were honored to be chosen for the festivities! Thanks Cory and friends!

Every year, we draw names, twice. We trade names among “the kids” for a ‘big’ gift and then we include Mom and Dad and trade stockings. This year, both of my sisters’ husbands lost their jobs so money was tight, to say the least. We decided that for the big gift we would only be allowed to give a service to the recipient. The stockings were to be white elephant gifts.

I drew Rachael’s name for the big gift and EmaLee for the stocking.

I don’t get to see Rachael very often so for my service to her, I made her a bag. Of all the bags I’ve ever made, this one was my FAVORITE! I made a messenger bag with two pockets on the inside, big enough she could probably put my brother in it and carry him with her. I didn’t realize the finished product was going to be so big.

I found the fabric at Walmart and knew that Rachael would love it. I wanted to personalize the bag some so I decided that I would sew a R on the flap. I found a nice pink embrodery thread that I already had, found a font on the computer that I liked, printed a R, cut it out, traced it on the flap (after cutting it out and before sewing anything), and then hand embroidered the R.

The finished product was awesome! I still haven’t mastered the closure process, so this bag doesn’t have anything on it to keep it closed, but the flap is big enough that it’s not completely necessary. Rachael loved it 🙂

I stretched the white elephant just a tad and used beads I already had, thread I already had, clasps I already had and made bracelets. I made one for each “major” holiday. It was a ton of fun and she really liked them all.

I made one more that she can use for any day of the year, including New Years, if she wants 🙂 It looks a lot like the black and white one I made with the red accents, but it’s different. A little bit. This one also came with earings.

I had so much fun with my gifts this year, I’m contemplating Valentine’s Day already!

December flew by in a flurry of balloons, streamers, trees, lights and parties! It’s hard to believe that it’s over already!

I turned *cough, cough* THIRTY *gasp, gag, gurgle* on the 4th and Jon threw a surprise party for me the following Saturday. It was the best birthday party EVER! I opened the door and the first person I saw was Michele Randall and it all started to make sense. It was like having my life flash before my eyes – or at least the two weeks leading up to the party. All of the strange things began to make sense. Things like…

EmaLee and Elizabeth wanting to take me to a movie. Liz doesn’t like to go to the movies because of her Restless Legs.

The fact that the movie had to be early and we were all going to get together for “games” afterwards.

My dad telling me that “somebody will do something, I’m sure” on my birthday when I was home all by myself.

Nobody saying ANYTHING about my birthday ON my birthday, no phone calls, no Facebook messages, NOTHING. Except Sara. She was brave enough 🙂 Thanks Sara – you rock!

Jon doing a serious deep cleaning of the house. Including dusting, cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming, and mopping. He even created a checklist to make sure that he got everything done that he wanted to.

The hush-hush encounter of Em and Jon when Em came to pick me up for the movie.

I don’t have digital pictures from the party. Kristi did take some pictures and sent me copies, but I’m too lazy to scan them so I can post ’em at the moment. Mike took some good videos too.

I’m so grateful for all my good friends! We counted 50 people, not including the kids upstairs and the teenagers in the dining room. That’s a LOT of people and I feel so loved. I’m so thankful that everyone came and that we all had a great time. Good friends and good food – what more could a girl want for her birthday?

Thanks all!!!

We had such a great weekend that it has been difficult to get back into the swing of things this week. It started on Wednesday night when EmaLee and I made pies and ice cream. She made two apple pies (which were delicious!) and I made two different kinds of ice cream – cinnamon and vanilla.

Jon, Ellie and I spent the night at Em and Brian’s Wednesday night and got up Thursday and got started with dinner (after having a great breakfast – it’s all about the food, right?). Our traditional dinner includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, black olives, what we call orange salad, rolls and cranberry sauce (for dad). This year we were blessed enough to be able to have all of that.

After dinner, it was nap time (of course). Erek snuggled up to grandpa and was the only one of us that was able to get some z’s. Dad might have snoozed a little too – he could fall asleep anywhere. Must be where I get it from.

After nap time it was time for dessert. Brian’s brother and sister both came with their families. Lani brought some yummy homemade chocolate filled croissants and a pumpkin crumble (which I never did get to taste. I heard it was yummy though). We cut into Em’s delicious apple pies, and dished them up with some cinnamon and vanilla ice cream. I made a banana cream pie earlier in the day from a Pampered Chef cookbook that I got at a garage sale and we cut into that too. Everything was a big hit!

After dessert was game time. We played a game called Pictureka! and had a blast! Steve likes to stretch the rules when he plays games so if you’re ever on his team you’ll always win but if you’re playing against him be prepared to fight for the rules. Mike is a sore loser so if he’s not on Steve’s team find something to keep him distracted.

After game time we watched Wall-E and then everyone went home except for Jon and I – we decided to stay one more night. Friday morning we got up and came home, cleaned up the house, and then went back for leftover-dinner. Saturday I spent a lot of the day shopping with Lani and Sunday was back to normal. Church and some visiting teaching.

I’m so grateful for my family and my friends and all of the other things I’m so blessed to have! It has been a great year.

I went with Jon and my bookclub to see Twilight on Friday night. It’s now Sunday morning and I still can’t decide if I would rate it a 4 or a 6 out of 10 and here’s why: (there are spoilers – beware)

* I always think it’s great when an author/writer makes a cameo appearance in the movie based on their book (or movie they wrote – whatever the case may be). I think it’s a show of ownership and a stamp of approval, and with Stefanie being as protective of her books as she is, I was glad to know that she made an appearance. The problem that I have with her appearance is that it didn’t flow with the movie. Like Vanessa mentioned, Jasper was hardly even there. Emmett had one or two lines (no I didn’t count them exactly, but that’s sure what it seemed like). Even Alice was pushed into a corner (I really wanted to see her closet!). But then there’s a scene where the waitress (what waitress right?) has a full line giving some woman sitting at the bar (of the cafe that Charlie and Bella happen to be in) her breakfast. It seemed like a full 30 seconds that should have been used on something more useful, like a line from Jasper. Why couldn’t she have just been in the restaurant when Edward and Bella were eating? In the background?

* I didn’t like the wide-eyed look that Jasper always had. Come on – he can control peoples moods for crying out loud. Give the guy a smile. He was one of my favorites in the books because I always pictured him making the world a better place with a warm, inviting look on his face. Instead he looks like a scared little kid that is convinced the monster in his closet is going to kill him for sure. And, I agree with Vanessa again – very Edward Scissorhands. I will say though that my first thought was Ronald McDonald.

* If you’re thinking what I was thinking about Edward – that he was debonair, sophisticated, graceful, eloquent, beautiful – be prepared for disappointment. Sure, he was good looking, but beautiful? No. As for debonair, sophisticated, graceful and eloquent… well, there was a lot to be desired. You can tell me as many times as you want that he was only 17 so there should have been teenaged awkwardness, but come on people – he’s been 17 “for a while” AND he’s a vampire. I saw no grace in his step. At one point I looked at his shirt to find the collar all jacked up and the shirt completely wrinkled. That’s definitely NOT the way that I pictured Edward to look. As far as eloquent – it seemed as if English was his second (or fourth) language, and he was still learning it.

* Carlisle’s entrance, or maybe it was the focus on the entrance, was certainly intended to make me swoon. Instead I felt myself wondering who it was that showed up with the rubber mask to take a look at Bella’s near death wounds.

* Speaking of Bella’s near death wounds – that scene was done very well. It was, word for word, the way that part of the movie-in-my-mind played out while I was reading the book.

* I was also a fan of the baseball scene. The timing was great – not too long, not too short. Plus it showed how they all had fun together.

* I also liked the entrance of James, Victoria and Laurant during the baseball scene. I could have done without the previous entrance and think that time could have been better used with the Cullens. A newspaper headline would have been sufficient.

* The scenery was beautiful.

* Charlie was AWESOME! I hope he’s sticking around for the rest of the films because he was SO perfect for that part and played it like no one else could.

* I missed the wittiness of the banter between Edward and Bella.

* I know she said that she wasn’t afraid in the woods, but she certainly seemed afraid. You know how, in the book, Bella had a certain curious attraction? In the movie it came off as a determined rebellion instead. She always seemed angry, even when she wasn’t. She didn’t seem as innocent as Bella should have. It should have been innocently curious and falling in love fast rather than “you’re hot and I want to know why RIGHT NOW!”

* Jacob… huh. Ok. Uh… Really? I hope he grows ’cause otherwise we’re going to have a bit of a special effects need.

* Ug, speaking of special effects… Glittering sandpaper. That’s what Edward looks like in the completely botched meadow scene. I get that he was supposed to be made like granite, but smooth granite, as in counter tops. Not as in building exterior.

* And tree climbing? Where, in all that as good, did “monkeys” come from?? Emmett is NOT a monkey. And the tree climbing? Looked more like Spiderman meets King Kong. Seriously? Again – time that could have been better spent.

I LOVED the book so I refuse to hate the movie. I won’t go lower than a four but I want to give it a 9 or a 10. I just can’t. Will I go to the second one? Of course! Probably with the same group of people (Nicole – you HAVE to be there too!) and probably on opening night or the night right after that. I’ll just be hoping that they do a better job the second time.

Vanessa, Anna and DeEtte all say that it’s better the second time and Vanessa offered to go with me so I’ll probably go see it again sometime this week. I hope so. I was hugely disappointed the first time and I don’t think it could be worse.

There’s no difference in these pictures – they’re standing for the same things…

The young man in second picture is in my seminary class. He’s going to be a leader in God’s army – I just know it.

I’ve been meaning to post this for a few days but I’m so “Prop 8’d out” that I haven’t gotten to it until today.

I was so DONE with it all the night of the election. I had had enough corner standing, arm waving and sign holding. I knew however, and still know, that I was doing what the Lord wanted. I kept looking at my watch and saying to myself things like “3 more hours and then I can say that I did all I could do.” “1 more hour and I can say I did my best.” It was physically and emotionally draining to be out there every single day.

The very next morning, during our scripture reading, Jon and I read these verses from 3 Nephi 27:

“And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father…

“Write the things which ye have seen and heard, save it be those which are forbidden.

“Write the works of this people, which shall be, even as hath been written, of that which hath been written, of that which hath been.

“For behold, out of the books which have been written, and which shall be written, shall this people be judged, for by them shall their works be known unto men.

“And behold, all things are written by the Father; therefore out of the books which shall be written shall the world be judged.

Here’s the clincher:

I know that He’s talking specifically about the people He was actually with at the time, but I truly feel that Heavenly Father rejoiced in us.

Four years ago today Jon and I were married and sealed in the San Diego temple. I’m so grateful for the last four years!

I’m posting some of the pictures from our wedding and reception because I think it’s fun to look back and remember all the crazy things that went on that weekend.

This is us right out of the temple. The sun was bright and warm that day and right in the eyes!

Welcome to the reception! This was outside the door to help direct traffic coming in. Clare did such an awesome job with the decorations!

Lots of family was able to come. This is a picture of my side of the family that was able to make it. Jon’s two sisters, his brother-in-law, niece and his mom were all able to come too. It was so awesome to have everyone there!

Here are the pics of the buffet table and the dessert table. Again – the work of Clare. So beautiful!

This is a good pic of my brother and my cousin from the reception…

Last, but not least, a picture of us after the cake. Speaking of the cake… I am still so thankful for Paula for making the cake AND the bridesmaid’s dresses. I still love the flowers that Erica and Mary Jo did. And I will NEVER get over the decorations that Clare put together. I told her I wanted autumn – lots of leaves, pumpkins and terracotta pots and she made it all so beautiful!! You all ROCK!!

Last night we had our monthly scripture study class and talked about gratitude. I decided to start a page of things I’m grateful for – feel free to add things to the list; comments are accepted.

Today’s entry is my husband. He’s so good to me; so patient and kind. I love him more than anything.

I’m so tired. Tired of…

… being honked at. I enjoyed the time I spent out on the corner holding signs for Prop 8, and I TOTALLY appreciate the support from most of the honkers, but if I hear a car honk again any time soon I might lose my mind.

… being told that I’m intolerant, racist, a Nazi, a religious extremist, etc. Even some of my “friends” and family have had the nerve. I thought we could at least respect each others beliefs. I wasn’t calling anyone a name – all I did was stand for something.

… being flipped off, mooned, booed, etc. A whole bunch of people with no idea who I am or what I’m about.

… hate.

… being prejudged.

… hate.

I’m glad that the first part of the fight is over. I know that the war has just begun and that it’s going to take more than the voice of a majority to do anything for this cause.

I’m glad that, at least for now, my rights are protected. I’m glad that I still get to worship the way that I have been. I’m glad that I stood my ground and didn’t back down. I “fought the good fight” and can honestly say in the end that I did all that I could to follow the prophet.

During the seminary lesson the other day – the one on tolerance – we ended with a discussion that, paraphrased, went something like this:

Me: What’s the first and greatest commandment?
Them: Love God.
Me: What’s the second greatest commandment?
Them: Love thy neighbor.
Me: You have to be able to love God before you can truly love your neighbor. How do you show God that you love him?
Them: By being obedient to Him.
Me: And where does His direction come from?
Them: The prophet.
Me: And what has the prophet told us to do?
Them: Everything we can – endure to the end.

My lesson tomorrow is about the adulterous woman and the stones. There is a quote in the lesson manual from Elder Russell M. Nelson:

I have been impressed to speak on the subject of tolerance – a virtue much needed in our turbulent world. But in discussing this topic, we must recognize at the outset that there is a difference between tolerance and tolerate. Your gracious tolerance for an individual does not grant him or her license to do wrong, nor does your tolerance obligate you to tolerate his or her misdeed. That distinction is fundamental to an understanding of this vital virtue.

I couldn’t have said it better myself. I am tolerant. That doesn’t mean that I have to accept the sin. The Savior sat and ate with sinners of the worst kind and loved them. However, He did NOT accept the sin. This whole time I’ve been asking myself, “What would Jesus do?” The thing is, I had the answer all along. Amos 3:7: Surely the Lord God will do nothing but he revealeth His secrets unto His servant the prophet” (slightly paraphrased). The Prophet gave us the direction – he told us what Jesus would do – stand for Prop 8.

We did.

I’ve read what my real friends have said about their experiences. Jon, Lani, Sara, and EmaLee, here’s to you. Thank you for doing what you do and for being so good at it. I’m so glad that I had you to be there with me and help keep me strong!

I was getting my lesson ready for seminary tonight and, ironically, it’s about two different things:

1. When we are given assignments, we are responsible to report what we have done (Luke 9:1-6, 10).
2. Jesus invites us to be tolerant of others (Luke 9:46-56).

Part 1 posed questions like:
1. Who gave you the assignment?
2. Why do you think you were chosen to receive the assignment?
3. How well did you fulfill your obligation?
4. How can you tell whether the person cared how well you filled it?

All I can seem to think about when trying to answer these questions myself is Prop 8. The assignment to do all that I could came from God. I’m not sure why I was chosen to be a part of this battle at this time, but I’m sure He had his reasons. I never feel like I’ve done enough or that I even did all I could have done. I’m hoping that Heavenly Father will send the Spirit to let me know that He knows that I did my best.

At the close of part one, we’re to read Revelation 20:12 and answer these two questions:

1. Before whom will we stand as we make our final report of our life upon this earth?
2. What would you like to be able to report at that moment?

When I stand before God and he asks me if I did what He asked me to do, I want to be able to look Him in the eye and say “Yes. And I did the best I could.”

The second part of the lesson seemed to be a bit more difficult to prepare. We’ve been doing a lot with Prop 8 lately, spending all day yesterday with the youth in our ward standing on the corner of a busy intersection waving and cheering for Prop 8. My husband had a burrito thrown at him, we were flipped off time and time again, called all kinds of names, told where we could go and what to do with ourselves when we got there, mooned (seriously), and were told that it was shameful how we were teaching the youth to hate.

This part of the lesson deals with Luke 9:46-56. It poses questions like:

1. What might those who are tolerant of others think of the man who was casting out devils in Christ’s name or of the Samaritans?
2. How did the Apostles view the man who was casting out devils?
3. How did they view the Samaritans?

Then:

1. What was the Savior’s attitude towards the man casting out devils and the Samaritans?
2. Do you think the Savior was pleased with the attitude of His disciples? Why or why not?

Then this:

Invite students to think about their attitudes toward people of other religions or those who seem to be sinners. Ask the students to write down what they think the Savior might say if He were to talk to them about their attitude.

I hope and pray that the Spirit will be with me in the morning when we talk about these two sensitive subjects. We’ve been asked by our Heavenly Father to do something that the world sees as intolerant. We’ve been assigned the specific duty to stand up for what we know to be right. We’ve been given the assignment by a prophet of God and we will be expected to report back on our efforts when we stand before Him to be judged. I hope that the kids will be able to feel the Spirit bear testimony to them of the importance of their role in this great cause.

Our responsibility is to love all people no matter what – it IS the 2nd greatest commandment. But, our love of God comes first. Our willingness to do what He has asked of us will show how much we love Him and how much we are willing to sacrifice, whether it be of our time, our talents or something else which is asked, to be obedient to His will.

Putting the will of the Father over the will of ourselves causes us to be truly happy and prosperous. Nothing anyone can say to or about us will change or take that away. Our obedience proves our love for our Father in Heaven. Then, and only then, are we prepared to truly love our neighbor as ourself.