Christmas!!

Christmas this year was a wonderful time
With family and friends and feelings sublime.

Janessa and Jordan were honored to be
At a Christmas Eve feast with the Taylor family.

For her mother-in-law, Janessa made her first pecan pie
That was very good-looking but can I say, "SUGAR HIGH!!?"

For his dad, Jordan opted for something as sweet
Dan's favorite: week-old-stale-sugary peeps! (YUCK!)

Jordan's sister, Camille, came all the way here from D.C.
And found the cold, wintry weather not her cup of tea!

But she soon warmed right up, with her silky PJ pants
Sewn by her mom, for which sewing is a sixth sense!

Jordan's sister, Jessica, the last of the brood
Helped her mom wrap the presents and prepare the great food. (like that delicious cranberry jello thing!!!)

Jordan was delighted because all that night,
Jessica happily wore her gift: a knit beanie "done right."

Later that evening, as dessert came by,
Dan let us in on the secret to his great pie:

"I could say they're 'home-MADE,' but that wouldn't be true,"
But saying they're 'home-BAKED' Marie Calendar's does the work for you!

The night ended quietly as Dan thoughtfully told
A sweet Christmas Story of a young shepherd of old.

The next morning, Christmas Day, was equally fun
Though our "wishes for snow" were a bit overdone...

Early that morning, as yummy "ebelskeevers" we ate,
The men of the house had to take a wee break...

Brother-in-law, David and clan were a bit stuck
Well, a 7 foot snow drift is some tough luck!

But no worries with Jordan, Katie, Jade, and Dan
They pulled them out quickly, and to the house they ran.

Soon we snuggled inside and enjoyed watching all
Open presents from Santa, Mom, Dad, and Grandma.

A mess of giftwrap, but what a fun deal
To see little Ava in her pink automobile!

And to top it all off, Janessa really scored
With sweet outfits for Claire that we all adored.

I could go on, but my brain might turn to toast
Which would make it hard to finish up this blog post.

Suffice it to say, Christmas was great, no doubt
Snowed in, eating lots, and fun times hanging out!

I hope you have enjoyed this "Christmas Poem..." I'm totally NOT a poet, but that was fun. Stay tuned for next year-- it's Christmas at my parent's cabin!! Then we'll REALLY be snowed in!!

"Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow"...not DUMP!

This Christmas season has been quite...white! At least on my side of town!! However, we are very grateful for the moisture, as it was pretty dry last summer here!

My neighborhood a few days before Christmas

Taken from Jordan's parents' house on Christmas Eve (that's Jordan leaving to dig his brother-in-law's car out of a 7-foot snow drift!)

HERE is the 7-ft. snow drift...

The aftermath: Jordan's parents' neighborhood, day after Christmas

Final Christmas Concert at St. Thomas More!

Tonight we had our final concert of the season, held at the St. Thomas More catholic parish. It was a wonderful experience! I was really happy with it, especially since today, I FINALLY got my voice back well enough to sing some of the notes I've been mouthing for so long!! This pregnancy thing--gives me a drawn out cold, sinus problems, etc... glad for it to be over soon!!

At the last minute, I think we pulled it off--and I'm referring to the fact that we didn't really have our songs memorized--well, the lyrics memorized--very well even in rehearsal...oops :) But I remembered them a lot more during the concert. Pheww!

Thank you to all of you who came! I hope you enjoyed it!

Best Husband in the World

So, since this event was so...momentous, I decided it NEEDED to be blogged about!! This past week, Jordan's alter-ego, "Duane," finished the infamous closet. (OK, so maybe I've complained a little about the pace in which the closet was being done...)

Some women have their "Bob," the carpenter, "Jake," the electrician, and of course, "Fabio," the pool guy... I have "Duane," the painter/closet finisher. (If you look really closely at the above jumpsuit photo, Jordan's exceptional "DI" find actually says "Duane" on it. It really helps me with the fantasy...)

Here he is like 3 months ago...having ripped out the annoying step in the middle of the closet that housed the HVAC system (he rerouted it, so it's much bigger!) He also knocked out the back wall to give us like 4 more feet of space!

And ta dah! Here is the finished closet...and yes, you are reading this right: we went "dumpster diving" (CONSTRUCTION-area dumpster diving...it's different, I promise!) in Jordan's parents' neighborhood to come up with this lovely carpet...yes, it's in small strips, but hello, it's a closet!

Anyway, thank you honey. Looks GREAT, and not only that, holds about DOUBLE what it used to!! I'm glad I have such a great handyman around!

Now, we just have to finish organizing the garage, and then set up the baby's room! And I think I'm having a baby in like 13 days...hmmm can we do it? Duane, come by ANY TIME.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!!

So, since we have this GREAT camera, I thought this year we'd take nice pictures of our Christmas decorations! And since Jordan is the only one who knows how to use it, I waited patiently until he had a few minutes to take some shots :) He took them in all different kinds of lights to see what would turn out best. I guess there are pros and cons to each different way of lighting it, but I think they turned out pretty good!

I have to say, I LOVE my Christmas tree this year. It turned out just the way I wanted!

Taken from the top of the stairs with the lights out

Then with the lights on

And up close

And focused in on our first pewter ornament...we get one engraved with the date every year. This was, of course, a "First Christmas" one...

And with our beautiful Nativity! (thanks to Jordan's grandma!)

And of course, the stockings at the fireplace...Jordan and I made these the first year we were married. Never noticed till now that mine is...bigger!! Haha... oh well :) Honey, you're filling it to the BRIM this year, right? (not!...well on secondthought, maybe the baby could fit in mine?)

OK I need to do this....Christmas Tag!!

First off, I seriously need to live here...

I've received a request for one Christmas Tag from Kika, and then saw another on Ariel's blog, so I'm combining the best questions of each!! I'm not going to "TAG" anyone, but you cool people out there should know you should do it too!! :)

1- What is your favorite Christmas song? This is hard. "Still, Still, Still," "O Come, O Come Emanuel," "Stars Were Gleaming" from the primary songbook, "Santa Baby," by Eartha Kit, "Mary did you Know?" by Clay Aiken, "I Wish I had a River," by Sarah McLachlan, "The Christmas Song," by Celine Dion, ALL of the Christmas songs that Michael Buble sings...

2- When was your most memorable Christmas? Hmm... when I was little, my sisters and brothers and I all slept horizontally in my king sized bed (I shared with my sister, Heather). They, being older, kept up the fantasy of Christmas, claiming to hear reindeer hooves on the rooftop! It was awesome.

3- What is your favorite Christmas treat? chocolate covered cherries (NOT cherry cordials...the kind you get from Harry & David) caramel apples, fudge, homemade caramel!

4- What do you dislike most about the Christmas season? That it goes by too fast and all of the dumb store commercials on the radio!!

Or I could live here...

5- What do you like best about the Christmas season? The music, the "feeling in the air," and the fact that so many people are actually thinking about Christ and His purpose, birth, and love for us!

6- Who is the hardest person to shop for on your Christmas list? Probably my parents!

7- If you could receive one gift without money being an issue, what would it be? I'd love it if someone paid off all of my debts...house, car, etc... :) Oh, and bought me a new wardrobe for post-pregnancy :)

8- What is your idea of a perfect Christmas Eve? Just eating Christmas Eve dinner with my family, fireplace, with my Mom reading a Christmas story, Dad talking about the Savior's birth (Luke), and opening one gift!

9- Which do you like best, eggnog, or hot chocolate? Probably hot chocolate, but I really do like Egg Nog--as long as it's the LIGHT kind...

10- Do you prefer a fancy Christmas tree, or one decorated by the kids? I'm terrible. A fancy tree. As much as I'm sure I will love my kids, I'm planning on doing a small tree with their handmade ornaments on it, so it won't ruin the decor of my nice tree :) hehe...I hope my kids don't hate me! They can help decorate the fancy tree though...within reason!

Or here...

11- What is your favorite family Christmas tradition? Eggs Benedict Christmas Morning, getting a new ornament each year.

12- Do you like fruitcake? Most, NO. But, there were some in Chile, where I served my mission, that we're bad!

13- Do you prefer skiing or snowboarding? Since I've only been skiing once, and never snowboarding... skiing?

14- Are you dreaming of a White Christmas, or do you say “Bah Humbug” to snow? LOVE the snow!! White Christmas all the way! I even got off work at 2pm today :)

15- What was your favorite gift from Santa when you were a child? My doll...I named her Victoria.

16- What is your favorite Christmas movie? #1 Home Alone, #2 Miracle on 34th Street, #3 While You Were Sleeping

17- Have you ever eaten snow? Yes, who hasn't? Although never eaten it w/ maple syrup (Ariel, haha)

18- Who do you wish could be with you this Christmas? My parents!

Or here wouldn't be too bad...

19- When do you put up your Christmas lights and decorations? RIGHT after Thanksgiving. Jordan won't let me before then!

20- Real or artificial Christmas tree? Real trees are awesome, but pre-lit fake ones are the BEST!! The less work, the better. That gives more time to do the fun part--the decorating.

21 - Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, a really nice porcelain one that Jordan's grandma collected over the years from Avon... Jordan beat out all of the other grandkids to win it a few years ago! They were all jealous. I'm totally happy :)

22 - White lights or colored? WHITE. Definitely. Colored are ghetto. BUT, if I were to put up lights on my house, I'd do white on the house, and then a red tree, green tree, and red, white, green tree maybe... I know you wanted to know all of that...

23 - Angel on the tree or star? Star currently. Yeah, I think I like that best.

24 - Open presents Christmas Eve or Morning? The sibling present and/or pajamas Christmas Eve, and the rest Christmas Morning. Although, I've TOTALLY opened them all Christmas Eve before, thanks to my DAd's impatience! :)

25 - Favorite ornament theme or color? OK, I have to say I LOVE my Christmas tree this year--dark red, light green, silver, and white. It looks so beautiful!! My favorite theme would be what we do traditionally though. Jordan and I get a pewter ornament each year with the date engraved on it. Soon we'll have tons! (already got the Baby's First Christmas one for next year!)

It would be hard, but here would work too...

26 - Favorite place for Christmas dinner? My Mom's or Shaunie & Bart's house. Good cooks in my family!

27 - What do you want for Christmas this year? I asked my in-laws for MAC eyeshadow so I can look HOT after the baby, haha...

Soap Box Sunday

Sometimes I feel like this. Well, to be honest, a lot of times. But, I have definitely felt that lately the Lord has been speaking to me, encouraging me, and helping me to have the faith to press forward into the unknown. The Apostle Paul said, "we see through a glass (mirror) darkly." We must remember that the Lord sees a perfectly clear picture in the glass of who we are, who we have the potential to become, and what our future has in store for us. He can guide us to the perfect outcome--perfect, maybe not in the way we each imagine, but in the way in which it will mold our character and cleanse our spirits.

This week's Gospel Doctrine lesson reminded me of some wonderful truths, and gave me the desire to apply these truths to my life more fully.

One of my favorite scriptures:

Ether 12:4

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

Yes, our belief in God really does help each of us to hope for a better world and hope for Eternal Life with Him. And that hope should be an anchor to us throughout our lives. I'd venture to say, especially during those times of trial and grief. That hope will get us through.

Ether 12:6

"And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

This scripture, I'm sure I've read hundreds of times, still hits home--in a variety of new and different ways as I go through life, experiencing this principle over and over again. Sometimes learning, sometimes falling behind. But, the times I have learned, are times I can now lean on--times I can recall during each new challenge. I can tell myself, "well, this is what I learned and accomplished at that time. If I follow that same pattern of learning, I will be able to succeed again." That is how we learn. That is how we increase our faith. That is what the Lord wants for us.

Great example from Elder Maxwell...in my opinion, the expert on submitting your will to the Father and overcoming adversity through faith:

"Adversity can increase faith or instead can cause the troubling roots of bitterness to spring up… One’s life, therefore, cannot be both faith-filled and stress-free… Therefore, how can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, “Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which made Thee what Thou art! Then, let me come and dwell with Thee and full share Thy joy."

This really reminds me that all of the experiences I have in life are for my good--they are for my learning. What I take from them is up to me. Will I be bitter like Sidney Rigdon in Liberty Jail? Or will I come out on top like Joseph Smith? Where will my experiences take me spiritually?

C.S. Lewis answers this in a wonderful way:

"When a man turns to Christ and seems to be getting on pretty well (in the sense that some of his bad habits are now corrected), he often feels that it would now be natural if things went
fairly smoothly. When troubles come along- illnesses, money troubles, new kinds of temptation- he is disappointed. These things, he feels, might have been necessary to rouse him and make him repent in his bad old days; but why now? Because God is forcing him on up, to a higher level: putting him into situations where he will have to be very much braver, or more patient, or more loving, than he ever dreamed of before. It seems to us all unnecessary: but that is because we have not yet got the slightest notion of the tremendous thing He means to make of us."

I hope that I can have the faith to trust in the Lord whatever the circumstances. Focus on what is most important in life, and always follow the example of the Savior. It's not easy, that's for sure. But, I know that I am and will be continually a better disciple as I strive toward the potential the Lord sees in me.

OK. I have to do this one too...

Jordan sent me this one :)

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Elfed.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Last night, Jordan and I got to hang out with our cousins and their spouses--Chad, Ashley, Trina, and Jeff. Jeff had the great idea to "elf" us, them, and we needed one other person..hmmm...who would be fun??? DAd :) So he's in there too. My Dad. So funny.... (oh, even funnier bc Jordan's and my pictures are kinda not good--they're dark, but those were the only ones we had at the time...)

I think everyone really needs to elf themselves!

37 Weeks and Counting

Today I was reminded by a coworker that I need to take another side-view picture of my belly. I've been slacking! Used to be so good at documenting the inflation process... Oh well! Here I am at 37 weeks. My coworker took this picture in the lobby of the building I work in. Face is a little white from the flash, but the non-flash picture turned out blurry. Whadaya do? I guess this is the best my posterity can hope for at this point.

Also, that I went to the doctor this morning. Next week I'll go again--it's WEEKLY now! Still everything is normal. AND I found out that Claire is facing DOWN, which is a good sign, of course. AND I found out that the epidural guys are REALLY good at the hospital I'm delivering...the one who's least experienced has been doing it for 10 years, and one of the "experts" can actually get an epidural up and running in less time than it takes to knock someone out with the happy gas! That's pretty good! AND my doctor said that she's only seen 1 side effect--a spinal headache, that is supposed to occur in like 1 in 500 people--but based on her experience it's like 1 in 1,000.

Ok, and now I have to say that...you know, people keep telling me that I look "so good" pregnant, etc. and I say "yeah yeah" becuase I feel like a whale or a cow or anything huge like that. BUT today at the doctor's office, it was sad----I think I was the ONLY ONE wearing makeup among the girls who were in the waiting room. I was also the only one dressed fairly normal...they were all wearing sweat pants or baggy jeans...basically, "frump-wear." SO, it made me feel a little better, and now I know why people keep saying that I look "good" becuase apparently a lot of women, especially at my stage, have kinda given up... One thing I'm just plain LUCKY with is the fact that I haven't swelled up all over...I can still wear these, my favorite boots: (and was wearing them today--yes, the only one there wearing heels at the doctor's office)

But, hey, I'm wearing them for good reason. These black capris I wore today are for SUMMER. BUT, in the winter, to make them work, you can wear boots with them and they look fine. All in order to make sure I save money on maternity clothes, meaning, wearing the same 4 bottoms with different tops throughout the week. Jordan, honey, you should be proud of all the money I'm saving you :)

Singing Some More... Beneficial Life Christmas Party

On Tuesday night, my choir, again, had the priveledge to sing for some pretty amazing people--the employees of Beneficial Life. (their Chistmas Party at the Marriott downtown) Makes me want to get a job there! And some or all (not sure which) of the board members were in attendance, and include some familiar faces! (again, not sure if all of these gentleman are on the board, but I didn't care-they were there!)

So, we sang about 6 or 7 songs from our Christmas music repertoire (including "Baby," Mainha!) and they were a very generous audience. I have to say, I looked down (we were on risers) at the table in the front, right at President Monson, and he TOTALLY made eye contact with me and smiled! It was very nice :) Hopefully I wasn't hallucinating and it really did happen.

After the performance, we got to stick around and listen to President Monson speak. It was great--he just has such a great spirit about him, and he mostly told stories about Christmas service and good will. One thing I really liked that he said was that each of us should be showing and telling our Heavenly Father that we are willing to "be on His errand" and help others... especially during this season. President Monson also has a big soft spot for the widows--he talked of delivering small chickens to each of the 8o+ widows in his ward each Christmas Eve, his wife Francis spending a lot of Christmas Eve without him, but fully supporting him. What a great man. He said it is a miracle, but he has been able to speak at ALL of these widows' funerals over the years...some 3 a day!

Anyway, it was a wonderful experience, as usual, and nice to sing for such a great group. I have had a bad cough lately, can't hit anything higher than an A, and just have had the worst breath support, but was able to sing my descant solo to "Little Road to Bethlehem" and I guess (at least they told me) it turned out good. Pheww... :)

No pictures of the night, but you'd just see what you see in the last post anyway--our lovely red dresses!!

Off to St. George to Sing...

Apart from the fact that I COULDN'T sing all weekend, and since then really, it was a GREAT trip! :)

So...the choir all piled into one of those big travel buses and headed to St. George Friday morning--BUT, since WE, (Juliann, John, Ariel, and me) are so...cool? we got to ride with our choir director, Michael, and amazing accompanist, Natalie. It was so fun, and we just talked the whole time, making the drive SO short. I don't think I've ever traveled to St. George in such a short time...psychologically :) AND, we only stopped ONCE for a potty break! And Ariel and I are both pregnant. I was very proud.

From left to right: John, Ariel, Juliann, and me, of course!

So, our little group is known as the "Davis County" group by other choir members... which is funny because only 2 of us are even from there. BUT, the reason we have this "clique" is because we were all in the former "Utah Master Chorale" together. The funny thing is, that EACH of us have been accosted by other choir members and asked questions about our relationship with each other... I've been asked, "Is Juliann your sister?" or "Are Juliann and Ariel sisters?" "Is Juliann married to John?" or "Are you married to John?" Juliann has been asked, "Is Janessa your sister?" "Is Ariel your sister?" "Is Janessa married to John?" It's so funny... Neither of our spouses are in the choir or sisters :)

So, Friday night, we got to sing at the Cox Auditorium of Dixie State for people from St. George, I guess, and the Rotary Club--so a lot of...mature...audience members :) AND, we were so privileged to sing with the Utah National Guard 23rd Army Band! They were amazing...and I was so impressed, not only with their "band skills," but they had some REALLY talented singers! It was so great to perform with them, and feel how much honor and pride they have for their country--that's something that seems more scarce these days, so it was refreshing!

Saturday, we performed again in Richfield for....I dunno, Richfield residents :) Here we are there: (the 4 musketeers...) PS-for those of you who thought my dress "wasn't that bad" in the past photo of it--it was CLEARLY the photo. NOW do you see how awful it is?

OK, and I also have to admit to the world how apparently my head wasn't screwed on that whole weekend, because I lost it...

1. Getting in the car with Jordan to get to the carpool meeting place...totally forgot my overnight bag. Fortunately, Jordan was thinking.

2. After practice at the Cox Auditorium in the afternoon (we were returning again at night)...left my purse on the stage.

3. Friday night after the concert in St. George--Ruby River for dinner. My cell phone dropped below us in the booth. I couldn't pick it up right away because, hello, my belly really does get in the way, and we were all like sardines in that booth. Totally forgot it. Next morning, go to pick it up, and they can't find it. We have to leave. So, we go, and later I find out they HAVE found it!! They are mailing it to me tomorrow morning.

I wish I could just blame this on pregnancy. Not sure that would be accurate though...

Things We've Done

I saw this fun tag on Ariel and Juliann's blogs and wanted to do it too!! I've asked Jordan all of these questions, so you get to know about BOTH of us :)

1. Started your own blog janessa

2. Slept under the stars jordan & janessa

3. Played in a band jordan

4. Visited Hawaii jordan & janessa (once for me, Jordan like 3 times)

5. Watched a meteor shower jordan

6. Given more than you can afford to charity jordan & janessa (yeah, like every paycheck :)

7. Been to Disneyland jordan (just Disneyworld for me...)

8. Climbed a mountain jordan & janessa

9. Held a praying mantis jordan

10. Sang a solo janessa & jordan (someone once asked me, "how do you do that?" I replied...."many years of humiliation..." :) Jordan sang a solo in his H.S. play!)

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris janessa

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea jordan (at Catalina Island)

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch jordan & janessa

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty jordan & janessa (seen it, couldn't go to the top though...with 9/11 and all... been to the very top of the Empire State Building though!-NOT worth the money of the line, so if you're reading this and wanting to go, seriously, don't...unless you LOVE standing in line for 3 hours and paying like $15 extra to go to the top...)

18. Grown your own vegetables janessa & jordan (well, my Dad was quite the slave-driver, so our family garden was in fact cared for by me and all of my family, so that counts, right?)

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France janessa (It's in the Louvre...behind glass, and always has a million people falling all over themselves, around it to catch a glimpse!)

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight jordan & janessa (Who hasn't?)

22. Hitch hiked janessa

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill jordan & janessa (hasn't everybody?? I mean, these companies, like mine, that don't COMBINE the vacay/sick days into "PTO" are really just asking for it...seriously. It's not like we're going to let those days go to waste!! I just call them "sick of work" days :))

24. Built a snow fort jordan & janessa

25. Held a lamb jordan

26. Gone skinny dipping jordan & janessa

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice janessa (BEEN to Venice, but only rode a gondola at the Venetian in Las Vegas (with Jordan)...does that count?)

29. Seen a total eclipse jordan

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset jordan & janessa

31. Hit a home run jordan (not me, but does a touchdown count?)

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person janessa

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors janessa (not ALL of them, since I'm English, Danish, Scottish, and Irish, but have been to England and Scotland...so 2 down, 2 to go!)

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language jordan & janessa (any time you learn a new language, even with a teacher, you do have to "teach yourself" as well, to master it!)

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied jordan & janessa (Ahhh...those were the days...single, out of college, job, no mortgage...)

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing jordan

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David janessa (Seen the plaster replica of it in the "Victoria & Albert" museum in London - the best museum in England, I think! - a couple of times...does that count?)

41. Sung karaoke jordan & janessa

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt jordan & janessa

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant jordan (on his mission, all the time--people would ask for money, and they wouldn't want to give the guy money, but said "we'll take you to a restaurant to eat with us. Half the time they turned the Elders down, but sometimes they took them up on it!)

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight jordan & janessa

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted jordan & janessa (Does DRAWN count? Like on the streets of New York?)

48. Gone deep sea fishing jordan & janessa (Viva Mexico!)

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling jordan & janessa (LOVE IT!!)

52. Kissed in the rain jordan & janessa

53. Played in the mud jordan & janessa

54. Gone to a drive-in theater jordan & janessa

55. Been in a movie jordan (educational videos, a commercial, and in a movie about vampires!....) janessa (just a commercial...)

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business jordan (building computers in High School)

58. Taken a martial arts class janessa (self-defence at BYU!)

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen jordan (on the mission, in Portugal)

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason janessa (are they REALLY for no reason though? I mean, even if there isn't an occasion per say...there always seems to be a catch!)

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma jordan & janessa (when I had Mono in college, I got $200 for donating plasma once! - UofU Medical School research thing...)

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp janessa (saw one from the outside, don't really want to go in ever...too sad...)

67. Bounced a check jordan & janessa

68. Flown in a helicopter jordan (He's flown a PLANE, does that count?? Way cooler...)

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy janessa & jordan (well, our parents have saved some toys and now the grandchildren play with them)

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial jordan

71. Eaten Caviar janessa (very fishy...)

72. Pieced a quilt jordan

73. Stood in Times Square jordan & janessa (very smelly...but so is most of NYC :))

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job janessa (although totally embarrassing, I was very relieved too!)

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London janessa (very long!)

77. Broken a bone jordan (just a toe!) janessa (just a rib!)

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle jordan

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person jordan & janessa

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car janessa (does leasing count? Dad worked for Ford... I really miss that Mazda 3...it was a manual and so fun to drive!!)

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper jordan & janessa (Jordan in the Deseret News, Janessa in the Detroit Free Press)

85. Read the entire Bible Neither of us think we could ever make it through Psalms or Song of Solomon :)

86. Visited the White House jordan

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating jordan

88. Had chickenpox jordan & janessa

89. Saved someone's life jordan & janessa (Jordan affirms he saved people from "spiritual death" on his mission :) as did I, I guess, but then I saved my cousin, Tiara from drowining...just pulled her out of the water...)

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous jordan (Michael Jordan, P Diddy...and too many to remember--this is while working at the Bellagio "Light" club) janessa (Ty Pennington :)

92. Joined a book club janessa (does GoodReads count?)

93. Lost a loved one jordan & janessa

94. Had a baby janessa (I mean, less than a month away...that counts!)

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake jordan & janessa

97. Been involved in a law suit jordan

98. Owned a cell phone jordan & janessa

99. Been stung by a bee jordan & janessa

Soap Box Sunday

This week I taught Gospel Doctrine. It was a great lesson from the words of Moroni (Mormon 7-9) in which he talks about the purpose of the Book of Mormon, our charge as Latter-Day Saints, and how the words he and his father compiled for US are what the Lord would have us know.

Mormon 8:34-35

"Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.

Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing."

Ezra Taft Benson said:

"If they saw our day, and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?’ And there is example after example of how that question will be answered.

For example, in the Book of Mormon we find a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming. A major portion of the book centers on the few decades just prior to Christ's coming to America. By careful study of that time period, we can determine why some were destroyed in the terrible judgments that preceded His coming and what brought others to stand at the temple in the land of Bountiful and thrust their hands into the wounds of His hands and feet.

From the Book of Mormon we learn how disciples of Christ live in times of war. From the Book of Mormon we see the evils of secret combinations portrayed in graphic and chilling reality. In the Book of Mormon we find lessons for dealing with persecution and apostasy. We learn much about how to do missionary work. And more than anywhere else, we see in the Book of Mormon the dangers of materialism and setting our hearts on the things of the world. Can anyone doubt that this book was meant for us and that in it we find great power, great comfort, and great protection?”

More than anything, I know that as I read the Book of Mormon, I need to be constantly pondering those words and how they apply to my life. Why did Mormon add this account? Why did he preach of this topic? How does this apply to me?

I am so grateful for Mormon and his son Moroni. If you are ever unable to think of how a certain part of the Book of Mormon applies to you, you at least have one thing--gratitude. Gratitude for your own circumstances, your own life. When you think about how Moroni lost his father, his wife, children, kin, friends, etc....although some, just temporally, but many others in a spiritual sense as well... THEN he walked from Central America to the New York area, wandering for at least 20 years...all alone. And always fighting for survival. Your life may not seem too bad or too difficult or too much to handle. I know mine isn't, and I'm grateful for that.

What are we to do with the knowledge that we have been given? Elder Holland said:

"The task of the children of God in these concluding days of the world's history is to proceed with 'unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save,' to 'press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men . . . feasting upon the word of Christ, and endur[ing] to the end. This is the way; and ther eis none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved int eh kingdom of God.' (2 Ne. 31:17-18) No other book helps us do this so well. No other book was ever divinely produced and protected solely for that purpose. No other book has ever been written with such a full view of the future dispensation to which that record would eventually come."