Que Sera, Sera

A-train comes to town

2012-01-16T20:11:00.001-08:00

Austin came to visit last week and it was seriously so much fun. He is the best and always so much fun to be around. I have the best friends! I am sure my roommates (who I don't really know yet) thought I was crazy because I brought home a boy to stay at the house my first night with them!

Stalking pres Obama

We rented bikes and rode around all the monuments and then ended up in eastern market. Definitely my new favorite thing to do!

We even made it to the zoo, but we only saw about three animals...it was awesome!

so jealous he is back in the 801.

He even helped me put my furniture together!!! Don't you love the wallpaper??

Austin is very smart and is going to be a famous business man one day. He basically runs a company by himself so he was always making business call! The company is called sweat block-you should check is out, I have used the product and it totally works!

I was so sad when he left because a) he was leaving and b) that meant my real life had to start and I have been scared to death about the real world.

Technically my first day of work was today, but it was all orientation stuff so it didn't really count. My real work begins tomorrow and I am freaking out. I guess we all have to grow up at some point.

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happy christmas eve!

2011-12-24T14:04:00.001-08:00

This Christmas I am especially grateful to be home with family. I have the best family and I am so grateful for their support and the joy they bring to my life. I think when you live away from home you gain a greater appreciation of family. Most importantly, I am grateful for the birth of the Savior, and His gift to me.

"There is a magic in Christmas. Hearts are opened to a new measure of kindness. Love speaks with increased power. Tensions are eased...Of all things of heaven and earth of which we bear testimony, none is so important as our witness that Jesus, the Christmas child, condescended to come to earth from the realms of His Eternal Father, here to work among men as healer and teacher, our Great Exemplar. And further, and most important, He suffered on Calvary's cross as an atoning sacrifice for all mankind. At this time of Christmas, this season when gifts are given, let us not forget that God gave His Son, and His Son gave His life, that each of us might have the gift of eternal life" (Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Son of God," Ensign, Dec 1992, 2).

"We all enjoy giving and receiving presents. But there is a difference between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part of ourselves—giving of the riches of the heart and mind—and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store. Of course, among the greatest of gifts is the gift of love....Some, like Ebenezer Scrooge in Dickens's A Christmas Carol, have a hard time loving anyone, even themselves, because of their selfishness. Love seeks to give rather than to get. Charity towards and compassion for others is a way to overcome too much self-love" (James E. Faust, "A Christmas with No Presents," Ensign, Dec 2001, 2–6). http://lds.org/ensign/2001/12/a-christmas-with-no-presents?lang=eng

Caroling to Mootz
Christmas Eve morning with the cousins and Mootz
The awesome aunties

Marg and Noah
Trying to entertain Banna in the car...I think I had just as much fun!

Family parties galore!

Sisters and our bevies! I for sure drink way more soda when I am at home than back in DC! It must be social drinking!
Miss Hadley Mae's Birthday party!
We met up with my sister to go shopping in our Christmas sweaters-Marg got one compliment and I got five, boo ya! I think Catherine was embarrased to be with us.
Riding trax to see the lights at Temple Square.

the last three months

2011-12-19T22:24:00.001-08:00

I realize I haven't blogged in ages. There really isn't much to blog about! The most exciting news is that I am done with school and I have decided to stay in DC for the time being. For those of you who know me well, this is big. I don't do decisions well and after months of people asking me what I am doing with my life, it is nice to finally have an answer. Honestly, I felt so incredibly happy and excited after I finally made the decision to stay. This semester has been the craziest four months of my life. I have mixed emotions about it ending. I am not ready for the real world.

When I wasn't at school or at the hospital, I was doing the following: (courtesy of the iPhone-or else I would have never remembered!)

picking pumpkins-naturally

hanging with the roomies

Halloween

Boston with Marg

My favorite friends came to visit me in DC-we had a blast laughing for basically two days straight!

Surprised the fam at home on Thanksgiving!

Sleepover in Park City

Turning on of the DC temple lights with Senator Hatch's very own Becky Hayes.

In less than one week, I decided to move from my apt in Bethesda, found a place to live in VA, and packed all my crap and moved it all across the river!

I am going to miss this apartment-we did so many fun things here!

Christmas sugar cookies! Kyle was awesome and helped me move my grown up full size bed into my new place!

DC2nd ward Christmas party

DC2nd ward Christmas after party!

Merry Christmas from apartment 101!

Graduated from GW! See that little pin on my shirt, ya that is all I got...awesome.

My new place in VA. It is about four miles from the National Mall and a five minute walk to the metro. It has a huge backyard and I have a private room! Everyone has to come and visit!

I got a job! I think I am more scared than excited. I really am not ready for employment. I just want to go back to school and not think about 401ks. I kind of get scared just looking at this picture.

but since I won't officially be employed until January 16th, I am trying to enjoy the holidays by hanging out with family and friends!

amanda's homecoming

and drinking way too much of both of these! I think utah just brings out the diet soda drinker in me!

"Each of us must grow up and leave the security of home and the protective care of parents to enter a world full of problems and challenges that reach far beyond our experience. As we venture out, we would like a ready source to tell us how to handle every difficult situation. But that is not the Lord’s system.It is not the design of heaven that we be rescued from all difficult situations. Rather, it is the Lord’s will that we learn to handle them.The sense of being overwhelmed is very much a part of the journey. The power with which God clothes us in His holy temples does not imply that our journey will be an easy one.As we accept our lot and move forward with what the Lord has asked of us, we discover that we enjoy the company of the Holy Ghost, angels feel constrained to join us, and the heavens open to our vision.As you seek direction, the Holy Ghost will lead you far beyond your own thoughts and mark a course that reaches beyond that which you can see even by the light of day."Joseph f mcconkie“But behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right” (D&C 9:8).

my life the past two weeks...sorry if I haven't called you back-i'll be calling soon now!

2011-10-09T19:12:00.001-07:00

Physics has consumed the past two weeks of my life. When I wasn't at clinicals or sleeping, I was at the library studying the physics behind soundwaves. Awesome, I know.

Good news, I now have library friends-well people I see at the library and recognize-it will never be as good as the fifth floor hbll.

The better news is that I am halfway registered as a sonographer! I passed my ARDMS physics board yesterday. I don't think it has sunk in yet, but come Monday afternoon when I don't have to open this book, I am sure I will feel good about the whole thing! Boo ya!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2011-09-30T22:09:00.001-07:00

small and simple things.

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a shout out to marge in charge, margarachie, marg, my mom, and other random thoughts that occur when I have a big test to study for!

2011-09-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

I am really missing home this week. It has been a crazy couple weeks and will continue to be so for a few more weeks.

I want the thought, "Your future is a bright as your faith" tattooed on my hand-would this be bad?

It would be such a great reminder that sometimes life is a little overwhelming, but that's life and we have to learn how to handle these different situations without someone telling us how to handle them-much to my dismay.

My dear mother, I don't know how many phone conversations she has had to patiently listen to! Her response is always, what do you want me to do?You truly are the best and I am so grateful for you. We'll probably chat soon and she'll say, that was a nice blog post, and then I will go off on some other problem. Bless her for always being the one to listen to my life; thanks for putting up with me.

I can't remember who shared this with me, but it is an awesome talk about faith and character:

"It will be helpful to you to understand and use the power of the interaction of faith and character. God uses your faith to mold your character. character is woven patiently from threads of doctrine, principle, and obedience. Character is the manifestation of what you are becoming. Your character will be the yardstick that God will use to determine how well you have used your mortal life. Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed and, when acted upon, will be confirmed as true.

As you walk to the boundary of your understanding into the twilight of uncertainty, exercising faith, you will be led to find solutions to the challenges of life you would not obtain otherwise. With even the strongest faith, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather, he will respond with what in his eternal plan is best for you a piece at a time. Your continuing exercise of faith will forge strength of character available to you

In times of critical need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. that is when it is used.

Wherever you live, whatever your occupation or focus in life, you will be drawn into the battle for the souls of men and women. Be valiant in that struggle. It is waged on the basis of character. Satan and his troops have defined their character by resolute opposition to the will of our Father and consistent violation of his commandments. Your character is being solidified by consistent correct choices."

-Elder Richard G. Scott, April 2011 BYU Commencement

All is well-just super busy and missing my peeps in the 801 and the carefree days of my youth-free of decisions! I am loving DC and loving that is is starting to feel like fall! I can't wait to go pick a pumpkin at a pumpkin patch and see the fall foliage; fall might be my favorite season!

PS...everyone should come visit:)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone (while I was supposed to be studying...dang iPhones)

Oatmeal

2011-09-20T10:29:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted a recipe in ages. Sadly, I don't cook anything exciting very often anymore-too busy! I thought it was about time to post one.

Oatmeal is one of my staples. I usually have it for a meal at least five times a week-sad I know, but it is so good, cheap, healthy, and filling!

I love this crockpot recipe because it makes a lot and you can freeze the left overs in single serving containers!

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peace out!

2011-09-12T21:13:00.000-07:00

I have had a few friends move from DC this past month and I decided that if I am only going to make friends that are going to stay out here! Not really, but goodbyes are not fun! My fabulous roommate moved from DC back to Utah (who could blame her?!) and the only good thing about this was the fact that her equally fabulous sister moved in...until she left too! They are truly both the epitome of kindness and goodness. They are so much fun to be around and they will both be missed!

There were two sticky notes on Kim's mirror that I loved to read often. I am so grateful for Kim in my life. She is such an amazing example of a strong faithful woman! She gave the best advice and I always knew she truly wanted the best for me. Kim, I am still working on that last piece of advice you gave me ;) things are slowly coming along! I will never forget her kindness when she picked my up from the airport after a week at home and just knew I needed a big hug and someone to understand how much I missed home and how hard it was to be coming back to a long winter! Having good friends and roommates makes it ten times easier.

Kim's sister Lyndsey was an awesome replacement! It was just the two of us for a lot of the summer and she was always so happy! I am not always happy so I felt bad for her, but it is hard to not be happy around her!

Kimmy, Jayci, and I have so many fun memories together! You get really close to your roommates when you don't have family around you. They become your family and I couldn't have asked for better sisters! We had crazy dance parties at night (some involving shiny black dance pants!), dance central competitions, movie nights, crazy Old town Alexandria nights-where we received dating advice from the candy lady, and many dinner groups. We got super close-close enough for Kim to tell me maybe to not talk as much at the next dinner party! (jk kim, but really she advised me to do this and I took it to heart. I sometimes can get a little out of hand, which can result in me performing the bag pipes for our guests!)

Kim was an awesome room sharer! She would always write down the things I said in my sleep. Apparently I am a big sleep talker, giggler, and mumbler. Some memorable nights include the following:

"If you want it, get it, BOO YA!"

I advised kim in my sleep before her first day of work to "Be sure to ask lots and lots of questions." said repeatedly.

and last, but not least, apparently I say the sacrament prayers in my sleep! Still not sure if this is under righteous circumstances or sac religious.

The Hamptons-NBD

2011-09-12T20:48:00.000-07:00

My good friend Becky invited me to go to the Hampton's with her aunt's family over labor day. It was the best decision of September thus far. It was so much fun to chill in a home-the fact that there was a maid to do the cleaning, cook the food, and do the laundry wasn't that bad either! Think gossip girl and you will basically get a pretty good idea of the life these people live. We had so much fun relaxing, riding bikes to the beach, studying by the pool, eating good food, shopping in south Hampton, visiting east Hampton, taking the ferry to shelter island, watching the US open, driving the jeep to Montauk to see the point and the light house, boating, miniature golfing, doing core fusion with fit forty year olds, and eating ice cream every night! Her family was so kind to include me and they were the best hosts!

Our trip began bright and early at 4:30 am-total, it took us about nine hours to get from DC to the Hampton's (with train, bus, and a freaking duffel that weighed way too much)!

the train from DC to NYC is always a blast!

The iPhone is a travelers best friend. We would be lost without it.

NYC bagels!

Manicures at the fabulous joy nails as we waited for our train from NYC.

We were so stressed as we waited for the train that would take us from NYC to the coast. Everyone would crowd around these boards until your track was released and then basically chaos erupted as people pushed their way to the front!

Becky was awesome and actually studied for the LSAT. I didn't do much studying!

Our sweet ride!

Waterskiing in the Hampton's! Ocean water is a lot more choppy than lake water!

The beautiful house in Sagapnack

boating on the ocean! I was super nervous to go skiing in the ocean, but everyone assured me I would not get eaten by sharks! It was a blast and I was so happy to be apart of Becky's first ever tube ride-this girl needs to come to B Lake ASAP!

DC happenings

2011-09-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

well, before I get on to DC happenings-not much other than school-I found more pics from home!

business lunch dates with Matt-we are pretty legit.

Finally made Martin a true coug-she feels much better now that she is a zoobie and doesn't have to deal with all the ute nonsense.

Spent many mornings and nights getting my water ski fix in for the summer.

I finally feel like I am a true bear laker-I am branded on the le beau's table. holla!

Good news is that we didn't die from the hurricane and now I officially have my 72 hour kit-I spent at least an hour and a half in the grocery store wandering through isles buying all sorts of crap that I didn't need. I almost spent 20 dollars on shampoo-seriously?? No worries, I quickly came to my senses as I basically sat in the shampoo isle weighing my options.

We were able to see this cool exhibit at the American Smithsonian. They had a bunch of artifacts from 9/11 displayed. It was surreal seeing all of these things close up.

I have spent many nights "hanging out" and skyping with friends-who says you need to live in the same area code with have fun with friends!

This is what our hurricane night consisted of: me, sitting at the table doing homework and periodically checking twitter for hurricane updates and church status updates (our church was cancelled) all while my roommates watched too many episodes of prison break! I got yelled at multiple times for interrupting the show!

Quick pre hurricane run to nordstoms-stocking up!

party in the 801

2011-09-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun taking a break from DC and spending time with family and friends in utah!

London girl party in Bear Lake

ate lots of raspberry shakes!

Marin introduced me to Sugar House's glaciers.

Snow cones with the fam

Hiking in the wonderful mountains with Marin

PORCH TIME!

visited many gas stations with the sisters.

fireworks at the lake!

BOATING!

Lib square friends at the lake-so fun!

went to katy's ultrasound! Found out that our protocal is ten times better and more in depth!

games at the sonnenberg cambin!

My favorite place in ptown.

raising future cougs!

family favorite-jdawgs!

Maddi and I both cried for a good hour after I left for DC-love her.

lunch with marthie and baby.

shopping with marg

COSTCO-happiest place ever.

Marthie's shower with the girls! I was so excited when she visited last month because I was able to scan her and give her a CD of images!

Beks and I were awesome at the two man surf board.

love her!

chilling with the cousins at the dock!

It was a pretty fantastic two and half weeks full of provo, holladay, downtown SLC and bear lake!

shaking things up back east

2011-08-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

in case I lose power, service, etc, here are some photos of my past weeks...

Nikki, came to visit and we had a blast biking and walking around DC and Georgetown, visiting museums, and getting special guided tours of the Capitol by Miss Hannah Lockhart herself followed by lunch at the Dirksin!

at the Nats game-we are BIG fans

one of my favorite areas of DC

I promise, if you come to visit, I won't disappoint! The capitol wasn't showing up in this pic so I had to change the coloring so it looks kind of weird!

I am capital bikeshare's number one fan!

and google plus' number one fan-hanging out is sweet!

lastly, apart from beginning to study, we attended the most epic mustache party EVER! It was awesome.

in other news...natural disasters create chaos in DC!

the calm before the storm:

on our way home from our pre-hurricane survival dinner at cafe rio!

earthquake on Tuesday-which, created pure chaos at my low income hospital-my supervisor was found running outside yelling, "its an earthquake!" I, silently wanted to run as well, but couldn't leave my poor patient, who didn't speak English very well, so I awkwardly motioned for her to come towards the door frame with me. Now, we are just waiting for miss Irene to grace us with her presence. Honestly, I am not worried at all, but everyone else sure is and that makes me wonder if I should be as well! I have felt very loved through all the calls, tweets, and texts from friends and family in the west asking me if I am alive! It really is a mad house outside-not weather wise, just people wise. It is actually super calm right now-other than the humidity. Supposedly the storm will start tomorrow and when we lose power out here-which is the only thing I am really expecting-we will lose phone service and of course internet service-in some areas (mostly only my apartment!). Wish me well!!

First last day of school forever!!!

2011-08-23T19:21:00.001-07:00

or so I say. I had my first last day of school on Saturday! It was nothing special and sadly, no one took my picture. Now, it is back to the books! Party on!

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August 10th

2011-08-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

One year ago I tearfully boarded a plane (I guess that also happened two weeks ago, two months ago, and in December, but that is besides the point) and flew across the country to a place where I had no idea where anything was and could count the amount of people I kinda knew with less than one hand. I had no idea what was in store for me. It is crazy to think that I will be done with school in four months. Crazy and scary. My whole life has had a plan. I remember sitting on my floor freshman year and writing everything out I wanted to do. I didn't do them all in the order I wrote them and a summer back east turned into at least 18 months, but I did everything I wanted to. I wish I would have kept writing that map out, but I am sure I will figure it out! Here is to another good year full of learning, adventure, and fun! It will be exciting to see where I am next year!

Things I have learned about DC and east coast living...
1. The Great Harvest Bread is way better in Utah and not worth the money here.
2. Plan to leave your house at least a half hour before you need to get anywhere.
3. Be prepared to just want to sit on your couch after your day is over.
4. There is so much more diversity here than in Utah-surprise-and I am often the minority at the hospital.
5. I have been extremely blessed in my life-more than I deserve.
6. Traffic stinks and brings out the worst in people.
7. Life is better with friends and family.
8. Restaurants are better out here.
9. People work to work in the east while people work to play in the west coast.
10. I hate humidity, but I told myself two days ago that I would stop complaining about it and it hasn't been as humid.
11. The metro smells during the summer.
12. No fall or spring can ever compare to the falls and springs on the east coast.
13. I miss mountains, snow, and skiing.
14. BYU is the best educational institution that has ever existed and no school can ever compare.
15. School is ridiculously expensive and most days I wonder where my money is going.
16. I have met awesome friends who make life so much better.
17. I have decided that I entertain myself quite well when I am by myself.
18. Utah is a bubble.
19. People out here do not know how to drive in the snow, but everything does shut down when snow comes-which is awesome!
20. Storms out here are awesome.
21. They don't have good cinnamon bears out here.
22. Trader Joe's and Panera are awesome.
23. Walking into Cafe Rio and Costco make me feel like I am at home.
24. The Costco's here have a ginormous wine section.
25. There is always something to do and awesome places to visit.

3 days...

2011-07-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

you can't really count today or saturday-right?!

I am so excited for it to finally feel like summer and see mountains!

fyi-that is not my hand:)

I found this picture and it made me laugh-we kind of all look awkward/not sure if we like each other! Thanks for picking me up at the airport ladies! love ya!

random photos.

2011-07-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

I recently found a bunch of pictures that I totally forgot about. Therefore, here are a bunch of random photos:

at the movies-which are much more expensive here-very silly.

jayci brought me back a tribune from Utah. It made my day. Luckily it was the day that I like-the mix section day!

at dean and deluca's with fellow foodie amber

Nandos!

wonderful family. love them.

these bags are probably still hidden from Dan.

NYC-central park. It is beautiful in the spring time.

Brooklyn Bridge

Jayci and I decided to bike from Bethesda to the Lincoln memorial. It was awesome!

summer nights!

2011-07-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

A few of my friends and I headed into Virginia to catch the Rascal Flatts concert. It was awesome, but even if it wasn't good, the whole experience would have been worth it. I think I was in awe of the people that attended the concert. We are talking the legit cowboy hat wearing (usually without shirt-not the no shirt, no shoes, no problem type), beer drinking, daisy duke wearing real hicks. I didn't even know these people actually existed. It was hilarious!

2011-07-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

Today I went into the hospital for half the day-awesome! In my few spare time I decided to try and organize some of the crafts that I want to do while I am home. http://re.pn/b/h1fj I am so excited (If you can't tell) to be able to go home and spend uninterrupted time with my family. I know it is going to be hard to come back, but I also realize that when I am home, I have no responsibilities, no school, no hospitals, and I am constantly having fun-this might be the reason I love being home so much. The grass is always greener on the other side! Except when you are in utah with no responsibilities, then the grass is pretty green on your side.

I do love it here and have a lot of fun {recent nationals baseball game-we had also had a view of the washington monument. NBD}

but can you blame me for missing these people?

or this view? {photo courtesy of @poshideas }

10 DAYS PEOPLE. 10 DAYS!!!

so true

2011-07-03T20:06:00.001-07:00

http://marinrowe.tumblr.com/post/7213523681

PS, bear lake went from this...

to this...

so incredibly jealous that it is the year I am gone!

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after work happy hour thursdays

2011-07-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

I have some friends who work on the hill and try to meet up with them as much as possible! This week, we met up at We the Pizza and then took a walk around capitol hill until we found these awesome wood rocking chairs that overlooked the capitol.

on a side note...aren't these little boys adorable!

sunday picnics on the mall are the best!

2011-07-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

{proudly representing the 801}

Bear Lake bound in less than a month!!

2011-06-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

I don't think I really understood homesickness until I had to start a summer knowing I wouldn't be at Bear Lake every weekend. It might be cheesy, but there is no other way to describe the feeling I have, so here I go...my heart aches for it! ha, I know-lame, but it truly does.

I love randomly waking up super early and seeing the sunrise over the lake when I look out my window, I love early morning ski runs when the lake is glassy and the air is cold, I love little voices waking me up in the morning, I love morning/afternoon runs on the path, I love reading books on a blanket, I love how everyone gathers and just sits and chats, I love the 4pm drink runs to the local gas station, I love having 3 families that are hilarious right next door to me, I love never knowing if the hot tub is working, I love going through scrapbooks over and over again, I love the afternoon boat rides/tubing time/jamming to music time, I love king of the raft, I love treat making with sisters/for sister-even with power tools, I love that my mom always has a never ending list, I love rocking noah on the porch swing, I love how the only place I can take a Sunday nap is on the couch at Bear Lake, I love porch time, I love BBQ's and bon fires, I love night games and grueling games of sorry where I always win, I love star gazing, I love having friends up, I love cousins, I love family night in the living room and how it always ends with me or katy falling asleep and being left, I love my bear lake bed, I love that you never have to get ready and are always ready to go as long as you have a suit and cover up, I love bear lake in the winter with sledding and skiing the bev, and I love that it is not HUMID!! It is also always a bonus that for some random reason the gas in evanston, wy is always about a dollar cheaper.
{like my enormous run-on sentence?!}

What do you love?! Really, leave a comment, I want to know!

2011-06-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Family, update your blog's already! I included this pic because it is awesome. That is all!

2011-06-13T10:42:00.001-07:00

via pinterest!

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awesome message

2011-06-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

Mormon Messages Video: “Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light”

humidity is not fun

2011-06-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

It is getting super hot and humid here, which means, I will be rocking the ponytail practically every day! Welcome to DC!

Nats games are awesome. I have decided I am a big baseball game fan and they are the best way to spend summer nights!

Twice a year, the embassy's of DC open to the public and give tours, demonstrations, and free stuff.

dance party in Saudi Arabia

wednesday happenings

2011-06-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

Wednesdays are my day off this semester. I probably should have studied physics so I can take that registry and get it out of the way, but I met up with a friend who just moved to the DC area instead! I met Julianne my sophomore year of college at good old lib square. We had such an awesome group of friends and had a fun summer that included a cruise to Mexico! It was so fun to catch up and I am so excited to have another friend in the area!

Just a mid week thought! via pinterest

stuff I did, but never posted

2011-05-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

I found a bunch of pictures that I never uploaded. This seems like ages ago, but I had so much fun in Baltimore with Ryan and Des. Des was interning with the NIH during the first six weeks of winter semester. It was so nice to have friends from home! They are moving to Boston this summer and I am so excited to have friends on the east coast!!!

It is always a good time when Ryan is around!

This place was ghetto-I thought my life was in danger!

I headed up to NYC in March for the AIUM conference with GWU. We had fun exploring the upper west side, magnolia bakery, lavain cookies, central park, the Brooklyn bridge, and experiencing our first ultrasound conference! NYC is beautiful in the spring. Everything was blossoming!

check out the sweet mullet!!

cafe rio with friends!!

I met @beckyhayes in Arlington for lunch one day and she let me take a spin with her capitol bike share pass! It was so much fun!

Leesburg outlets with Jayci-always a good time!

and they opened a pink berry in DC!

Now, we are trying to survive the humidity in DC. Let's just say, I miss Utah summers A LOT!

Spread the word!!

2011-05-18T22:36:00.001-07:00

I am so excited for these guys!! Please check out their website:)

Jonny and Ang adopt!

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but if not...

2011-05-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Awesome Monday afternoon talk!

there's no place like home

2011-05-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

This semester has been crazy busy and home is exactly what I needed last week. A place where I was completely comfortable and I knew how to get from point A to point B; a place where I could be surrounded by the people who know me best and still want to be around me, and bask in the DRY/MOUNTAINOUS air!

highlights:
-family FHE
-hosting bridal showers
-multiple provo shenanigans throughout the week
     7-11 bevie runs
     classic olive garden
     peruvian food in ptown
     hot tubing in ptown
     chilling with friends in ptown
     25 cent mcdonalds cone runs in ptown
-business lunches with a legit adult friend
-fro yo with girlfriends
-multiple family gatherings: showers, weddings, little america post wedding, and grand america girls luncheon with the mootz to name a few!
-movie night with friends
-outlet shopping and cinco de mayo fiesta with londoners
-tball baseball games followed by chaotic texas roadhouse dining
-thanksgiving point tulip festival with marg
-mother's day
-breakfast with marthie
-running through holladay
-park city drive to see GM
-olive garden round two with colter and laura...
    we might have stayed past closing! I could
    laugh with these two all day!
-farewell lunch at paradise bakery to end a wonderful week in utah.

It is always super hard to come home. I just typed home meaning dc without even thinking...wow, I have been here forever!

Liza, preston, and maddi's tball game. Dan and Will are the coaches. It is hilarious to see the kids out there running after the ball. We had a pretty good cheering section. It was fun to go to their game. It reminded me of all my brother's baseball games that I would go to as a child up in olympus hills. I always loved playing on the grass. I remember someone taught me how to blow a bubble at one of their games!

Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival with Marge in charge

Hanging with my temple buddies while all the righteous folk were in the temple at lisie and justin's ceremony. It was an early ceremony so the temple grounds were empty. It was so peaceful and beautiful.

disclaimer: I don't have a favorite.

Little will is adorable. I love that he loves me. BTW, if you want your child to be my favorite, they need to love me! I love the way he gets so bashful and smiles with his dimples and one tooth and then reaches out for me! I think my family is used to the two will's, but I still get confused when amber says something like, "will was pulling liza's hair." I miss being the "second" mom to my little nieces and nephews!

Will loves to blow kisses!

Cousins!

The "4 little girls!"

we tend to have a lot of confusion in our family!

The photographer told us to act excited for the newlyweds and the dang clayton performers got all cutesy on me! jk, love your poses!

I had to put these two pics by each other. They are the same pic, but I cropped the above photo because the original looks funny. We were all making human chairs-minus elisa-but the angle the pic was snapped it just looks like I am trying to spoon marse! ha

She made this cake. NBD.

Cousin fro yo run post wedding. It was so fun to chat with my girls!

Waiting for my plane at the airport and saying my goodbyes to the mountains. Seriously, you don't realize how much you love them until they are not there! Goodbyes stink-some man ran up to me yelling-"don't cry, have a daffodil!" I think I stopped crying somewhere over ohio! poor flight attendants!

but no worries, I just bought my flight home in july for five dollars. boo yeah!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T10:24:00.001-07:00

Marg is always full of great advice; the latest and possibly greatest goes something like this:

"Well, if it's not one damn thing, it's another!"

I am so grateful for my mom and I don't know what I would do without her.

“Most of you are mothers, and very many of you are grandmothers and even great-grandmothers. You have walked the sometimes painful, sometimes joyous path of parenthood. You have walked hand in hand with God in the great process of bringing children into the world that they might experience this estate along the road of immortality and eternal life. It has not been easy rearing a family. Most of you have had to sacrifice and skimp and labor night and day. As I think of you and your circumstances, I think of the words of Anne Campbell, who wrote as she looked upon her children:

You are the trip I did not take;
You are the pearls I cannot buy;
You are my blue Italian lake;
You are my piece of foreign sky.
(“To My Child,” quoted in Charles L. Wallis, ed., The Treasure Chest [1965], 54)

You are the real builders of the nation wherever you live, for you have created homes of strength and peace and security. These become the very sinew of any nation.”

-Gordon B. Hinckley

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful women out there!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2011-05-01T11:28:00.001-07:00

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free meal

2011-04-30T16:14:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I was supposed to be studying for finals, but instead I decided walking from GWU to pentagon city, VA would be a better way to spend my time. I met up with a friend and we then drove to random Olney, MD to grab cafe rio. The smell alone made me feel like I was home-btw, Costco has the same effect.

Now, if only I had the motivation to study for my massive OB final. I can't wait to go home!

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Happy Royal Wedding Day!!

2011-04-29T06:53:00.001-07:00

Turns out I couldn't fall asleep until five am last night. This would have worked out perfectly, seeing as how the royal wedding aired at four am, but we don't have television!

I miss this place like crazy.

Also, happy birthday to my eldest brother, who also shares both a name and a bday with Prince William! Thanks for keeping me tough and having cute kids!

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2011-04-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry to everyone that I haven't called back in the last month. I have been crazy busy-I promise I will try and be better. I love you all and appreciate all the voice mails and texts messages. The good news is that I am coming home in THREE days so you can just see me in person!

{click here for the most awesome postcards ever!}

Marthie posted these gems from her wedding on facebook the other day and they made my day! I like to think we didn't know we were being photographed, but we probably did. All I remember is that we had so much fun dancing that night!

Don't be afraid; there are exquisite things in store for you...this is just the beginning.

-Oscar Wilde

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

“My beloved brothers and sisters, in our hour of deepest sorrow, we can receive profound peace from the words of the angel that first Easter morning: 'He is not here: for he is risen.'"

-President Thomas S. Monson

Our festive dinner table!

Random metro pic!

Cherry Blossoms and Family!

2011-04-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

I had a blast with my mother and sisters a couple of weeks ago. We tried to squeeze in as much as we could. They definitely wore me out!! We saw the cherry blossoms at the tidal basin, shopped at the outlets, explored Old Town Alexandria, ate a lot, shopped some more, walked around Arlington Cemetery, and just hung out!

cheesy!

We made it at the end of the blossom's, but they were still pretty!

Jackie O's house in Georgetown

Eastern Market

We had lunch at the National Harbor right before I drove them to the airport!

Thanks for visiting me!

Friday, we so excited!

2011-04-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

I met these adorable girls on my study abroad through BYU in London. We were instantly friends and we have shared so many wonderful memories. {this pic will only be sentimental to those who were with us in london!}I had so much fun with these girls when they came over spring break. I was so sad when they had to leave!

The day after I picked them up from the airport we headed to Philly to explore the city.

Of course we got lost and ended up in West Philadelphia-seriously.

This was my favorite part of Philly. I love little markets!

The liberty bell

Rocky steps!

love them!

I had Monday off so we spent the day shopping at Tyson's Corner, exploring Mt. Vernon, and then we ended with dinner in one of my favorite towns-Old Town Alexandria, VA.

I loved Sunday. We went to church in Chevy Chase, made dinner, chatted, and watched Modern Family. It was so much fun to just chill and spend time together!

Our delicious dessert pizza with green frosting! {I had just made cookies for St. Patty's day and had left over frosting!}

Of course we hit up Eastern Market and then spent the rest of the day exploring the Capitol with a special tour by the Hill's very own Miss Becky Hayes and Miss Hannah Lockhart!

Oh hey Brigham

The lovely tour guide

Thank you so so much for coming to visit me!!! love you girls!

GWU takes the Big Apple.

2011-04-15T07:33:00.001-07:00

I am headed up to NYC this morning for the annual AIUM conference-American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Going anywhere for a conference makes me feel old and very adult like, but the good news is that I still feel twelve. Kimmy and I took a marvelous rollerblading adventure through rockcreek park last night. The best part about our adventure is that we passed a legit twelve year old on rollerblades!

The face of pure joy!

These babies are my trusty hand me downs from the early 90's. They do not have brakes and have yet to fail me!!

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Washington, DC

2011-04-14T09:34:00.001-07:00

I have had such a busy month with school and visitors, but it has been a good busy! I love seeing people from home. I am having technical difficulties with the blog-what's new-so I will upload pics as soon as I can! In the mean time, here are some from the trusty iPhone!

Cherry blossom's at the tidal basin!

Thanks girls for coming to visit me!!

Also, did you know you can make your own microwavable popcorn?!

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2011-04-06T05:07:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to the most incredible woman that I know. She is even flying out to visit me on HER birthday!

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Oh hey spring!

2011-04-04T16:05:00.001-07:00

Jayci and I coming back from tennis/cycling-hence, the beautiful hair! This girl is legit and could kick anyone's trash. Oh ya, it is 86 degrees here. At seven pm. Now, I just need the humidity to stay away forever!

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martin

2011-03-30T09:57:00.001-07:00

love her.

"final spring break summed up by:

-blisters and band-aids
-exhausted jokes centered around the Harvard sailing team
-afternoon treats every day
-anthropology six different visits, three different locations. excessive?
-admiring houses and architecture- let’s all move to chevy chase when we grow up
-five episodes of modern family before bed; nightly
-gauguin exhibit= not a part of national portrait gallery
-hygiene- showered two times in nine days. it’s hard to do what i do.
-forever lost; even with smart phone maps, gps systems, guide books and street signs- never quite knew where we were going
-sketchy bathrooms
-reminiscing the same old jokes from london- were they ever really that funny the first time?
-relishing in pride for our country
-total and complete disconnect from the real world
-dreams for the future"
{Marin Rowe}

Marin and Alex in our "third" bedroom-AKA our living room! It might be possible that they were both getting choked up watching Christian the lion when I snapped this pic. google it.

2011-03-28T11:13:00.001-07:00

The heytell app is awesome! Realistically, it is probably better to just call someone, but it is so much more fun to randomly voice text with people!

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2011-03-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

"I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them."

Mark Twain

I miss these girls terribly already! They have no idea how much their visit meant to me. We all met two years ago on a study abroad to London and within a week we were all best friends. It is amazing how close you can become to people when you share such an amazing experience together.

We had so much fun sight seeing, laughing, shopping, baking, eating, watching modern family, and reliving the same stories and jokes over and over again! It is going to be hard to really get back into my routine this week.

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Happy St. Patty's Day!

2011-03-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

I realize I haven't posted that many recipes in the last year. My bad. I will try and be better. I thought that homemade oreos with a green center would be perfect for St. Patty's Day!

Homemade Oreo's
1 box devils food cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil

Mix above ingredients together and scoop dough into balls. Cook at 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes. Frost with cream cheese frosting!

I am super excited to pick up some of these girls at the airport tonight! We are going to have a blast exploring and hopefully we will make it up to Philly!

Boston Bound!

2011-03-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

Last week I decided I wanted to do something fun for spring break because I never really had a real college spring break-thanks BYU-and Jayci was kind enough to accompany on this road trip up the east coast to Boston! We traveled through Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and finally ended up in Massachusetts!! We decided that we never want to live in New Jersey, Connecticut would be fabulous to have a summer cottage in, driving through NYC is crazy, Yale is legit, but New Haven is kind of ghetto, and I could live in Boston if I lived on Commonwealth Ave. I absolutely love the houses in Massachusetts.

Yale-New Haven, Connecticut

We drove past my mother's alma mater, BU, many different times!

Jayci and I had a delicious dinner at Qudoba in Harvard Square. We left feeling smarter!

After dinner we took a night stroll through Harvard. We were bummed we forgot our backpacks.

We made sure to stop by Little Italy to grab some of Mike's famous canoli's!

Walden Pond

We met a cute fisherman from Europe. He taught us all about ice fishing on Walden Pond. After we Walden Pond we headed over to Concord to see the North Bridge. This town had the cutest houses!

The start of the Freedom trail where we followed the red brick road! It started to snow halfway through-NBD!

We couldn't resist!

We were so cold that we decided to take a break and catch a movie! It was a fabulous decision!

Boston left us with one final surprise-a frosted car on the morning we left!

2011-03-08T18:43:00.001-08:00

I am officially coming home in May for this beautiful girls wedding-well, and to see my family, friends, and wondrous mountains! I leave the day after my finals and I think by them time I would be ready to hitch hike home if I had to.

Everyone better be ready to party!!

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2011-03-05T04:35:00.001-08:00

It's 7:30 am and I am waiting for the metro on a Saturday. Awesome, right? What is even better is the fact that I got ready in five minutes. If you think my bottom half is bad, you should see the top!

Also, FaceTime is awesome. This was right after they hung out with my mother at my house. Let's just say I was super jealous!

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Today has been a great day

2011-03-03T21:09:00.000-08:00

I was chatting with a friend the other day who said I have not been blogging a lot-which is true. I am sorry, but I don't have that much to blog about, but school and you probably don't really want to hear about that! I did decide that March, April, and May are going to be awesome and that I really like Thursdays.

a) I am coming home in MAY-as in, two months MAY! Seriously can't wait for the reason I am coming home. (not sure if I can broadcast it to the www yet so stay tuned!)

b) These fabulous ladies are coming in ONE month! We will be taking DC by storm. Watch out!

c) A few of these wonderfully awesome ladies are coming in two weeks. It is going to be just like London, but better!

d) Spring is just around the corner and I cannot wait to wear my spring clothes; I may have bought me these beauties today!

e) and lastly, I caught a renal cyst on a patient that my clinical instructor didn't see-boo ya!

Teach me how to Jimmer

2011-02-27T16:48:00.000-08:00

I will be honest, my favorite part of the BYU bball games was when the cougarette's would come out and perform, but I bet this season would have been crazy awesome in the marriott center. I would also like to say that emily is a total trendsetter. She loved jimmer from the beginning. We even had a poster of him in our apartment-before jimmermania ever went down.

On another similar note, my mother tweeted this yesterday and it made me laugh out loud. She even used the hash tags-I don't even know what those mean!! I told her today she couldn't be both a Utah fan and a BYU fan. It just doesn't work that way.

#jimmer#byu#twitter...did I do it right????

Oh BYU, I really do miss you!

2011-02-26T06:58:00.000-08:00

You will probably only think this is funny if a) you have taken a test at the BYU testing center or b) you are emily and suddenly feel nostalgic for those little hbll library cubies she used to live in.

2011-02-24T18:42:00.001-08:00

"We live in a day when the adversary stresses on every hand the philosophy of instant gratification. We seem to demand instant everything, including instant solutions to our problems. We are indoctrinated that somehow we should always by instantly emotionally comfortable. When that is not so, some become anxious...It was meant to be that life would be a challenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depression, some disappointment, even some failure is normal.

Teach our members that if they have a good, miserable day once in a while, or several in a row, to stand steady and face them. Things will straighten out.

There is great purpose in our struggle in life."

-Boyd K. Packer

I am so lucky that I can call these fabulous ladies my roommates and best friends. It has been one of those days where I miss home a little more than usual. It has been a good day, but sometimes I wish I only lived a car ride away from my family and dear friends. That is why I love this quote. It is a good reminder that not every day is supposed to be fine and dandy! These days make you appreciate the days that will be and are fabulous!!

FYI, I have the cutest nieces and nephews ever!!! I miss them so much! Happy first Birthday Noah!

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President's Day

2011-02-21T19:43:00.001-08:00

I am terrible blogger as of late and I am sorry. One day I will post about everything I am doing. I promise, it won't be a long post! Until then, check out my friend Becky's blog.

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happy heart day!!!

2011-02-13T21:37:00.000-08:00

"It is good to love many things, for therein lies strength,

and whosoever loves much performs much,

and can accomplish much,

and what is done with love is well done."

— Vincent van Gogh

I made these brownie's from smitten kitchen last night for a party. They turned out pretty fun for Valentine's Day!

I love these e-valentine's from kate spade. They are adorable! Also, if you are in Utah you should go celebrate by going out and getting Sweet's juju hearts in honor of me. They are my favorite candy and only come this time of year!

Happy Birthday Abe:)

2011-02-12T17:58:00.001-08:00

"Most of us are just about as happy as we make up our minds to be." - Abraham Lincoln

Jayci is usually better at everything so naturally we had a bubble gum blowing contest to see if she rose above me in that as well everything else. It was a close blow, but I am pretty sure her bubble was bigger.

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Monster Cookies

2011-02-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law reminded me that I have been MIA in the blog world lately. My bad. I have been super busy with school and clinicals. I made cookies the other day for the first time in a very long time so I decided to mix it up and try a new recipe.

1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 1/2 cups oats
1 cup flour
2 cups M&M's
1 cup chocolate chips

Cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, peanut butter and vanilla. Add remaining ingredients and mix until combined. Bake at 350 for 8 to 10 minutes.

5 inches of snow + DC = all hell breaks loose

2011-01-31T14:21:00.000-08:00

In case you didn't hear, it snowed last week in DC. Since you probably did hear, you might be thinking it was a huge snow storm {or should I say thundersnow-weirdest weather ever} when in all actuality we only accumulated about 5 inches of snow. 5 INCHES!! This 5 inches of snow created pure havoc for those in the DC area. It took me over three hours to drive ten miles from the hospital to my apartment; luckily there was some random Greek restaurant right off the road so I quickly pulled over and ran in to use the restroom. There were trees falling all over the roads, people were abandoning their cars, and there were over 400,000 people out of power-we didn't get power until Friday night...awesome. The first night was kind of fun because we had a semi heated apartment and we went sledding, but as we started losing more heat we didn't love it as much.

this video makes any bad day just a little better

2011-01-25T15:04:00.000-08:00

"In life, as in football,

the principle to follow

is to hit the line hard."

— Theodore Roosevelt

Martin Luther King, Jr Day and other random happenings

2011-01-17T15:25:00.001-08:00

"Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase." Martin Luther King, Jr

Jayci bet me five dollars that I couldn't fit in the box. That lead to this-

Nothing like an afternoon at Nando's and Chinatown.

We told the people who took our picture that we were on vacation from Utah...

2011-01-12T16:27:00.000-08:00

"This place where you are right now,

God circled on a map for you."

-hafiz

{it snowed less than three inches last night and they closed schools today in both MD and VA. I drove to the hospital around 7 am and it was clear roads and SKY. Seriously DC? I love this place, but when it comes to snow, they sure are wimps.}

I am going places with my life...

2011-01-11T18:15:00.001-08:00

I have a confession to make. I didn't go to institute tonight. I didn't feel too bad because the teachers like to sporadically call on people and that scares the crap out of me. Instead I tweeted, blogged, and watched the bachelor. I know, I am for sure going places.

I tweet. Well, not really, I follow people who tweet and in order to do this I had to sign up for an account. All my friends were doing it and I just wanted to hear what they have to say! That's justifiable-right?! I did scan my first set of twins today so that makes it a productive day:)

In other words, I still kind of wish it was summer and I was here.

Happy tweeting!!

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Goodbyes stink

2011-01-05T15:21:00.001-08:00

I hate goodbyes. I am officially on my way to DC just chilling at the airport. I had a fun last day at home.

I started off the day with my mom's line dancing group. The cowboy charleston was most definitely a highlight.

Had one last girls lunch with my family and cousins.

We couldn't leave without aunt Jo reading my fortune. Apparently I am surrounded by diamonds and I have two hotties waiting for me(a blond and a darkie)!

The patterson's take these things very seriously.

I think this time around I will get into the swing of things a lot faster. It is just hard saying goodbye after such a fun three weeks of no responsibilities!

I love little reminders like these: Moroni 7: 42Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope.

“The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable” (“Come What May, and Love It,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 27)

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I am coming home

2011-01-05T00:42:00.000-08:00

I feel as if I have two separate lives and two homes. Two awesome, but separate lives. When I am in DC, I am happy. I love it and I love my friends there, but when I am in Utah I also love it and love my friends and family here.

I have had so much fun here catching up with friends and celebrating with family during the holidays. Everything is easier in Utah, but I am excited to get back into my routine-scratch that-I am not excited to wake up early again, but I am excited to get back into a routine.

This talk is always such a good reminder to me; I love it here, but I also know that I need to "get on with my life."

"Life’s challenges and changes provide opportunities for us to grow as we exercise our agency in making righteous decisions." Elder Steven E. Snow

Last night, I made the rounds in Provo-in no particular order! I started off with Spoon Me with my cute enclave girl friends. It was so much fun to see them and catch up. It is amazing the people that you meet in your life. They each play such an important role in my life and I am so grateful for them. I then headed to my cousin lisie's apartment and chatted with her for a bit. We never seem to live in the same place at the same time! Lastly, I headed to chill with my Liberty Square friends. They had a farewell party for me complete with dinner, games, football watching, and 7-11 runs. We like to keep it classy in P-town. It amazes me how long we have been friends. I love how comfortable we all are around each other. We really will say anything and not care what other's think. It meant so much to me that they would take time out of their night to hang out with me. I love them all so much. I have the best friends in the world!!

Ski Utah

2011-01-03T22:49:00.001-08:00

We had such a fun freezing day today up on the mountain. I am so sad I will not be able to ski as much this winter due to the fact that I live no where near mountains that compare to the rocky mountains.

We had to stop on the way to Park City to pick up warmers because we knew we were going to freeze our behinds off. The only problem is the toe warmers never work unless you are Marg and stay toasty the entire day...

Marg's classy get up. She made sure to remind us that she was warm because of what she was wearing.

Halfway through the day Katy and I were so cold that we needed to take a break. We got the traditional cheese fries and hot cocoa. You need to try PC cheese fries. They are bomb.

It was a fun day spent with the girls that ended with hot tubing at the Marriott!

We came home and had our traditional New Year's Eve Chinese food and then made a wish as we put a pine tree branch in the fire.

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2011: Plan to be surprised

2011-01-02T21:06:00.000-08:00

I love this video; this year I decided to follow the advice straight from the movie Dan in Real Life, "Plan to be surprised." I loved this part of the movie because it reminded me of the quote a friend read to me during my first few weeks in DC.

"To believe in God is to know that all the rules will be fair and to expect wonderful surprises."

New Year's Eve round one was spent with dinner at Cheesecake Factory and then we celebrated at a friends house complete with board games and fireworks!

I love Bear Lake. It is going to be weird this summer when I can't go up every weekend. I love driving up to the lake. I use to do it a lot because I would meet my family there on the weekends. I love the time that I had to be alone, sing as loud as I wanted, and or just think. That stretch of road from SLC to Garden City and the stretch of road from Holladay to Provo have given me a lot of time to think.
This was actually at 9:30 pm on January 1, 2011, but we counted down from ten and then made lots of noise to celebrate the new year!
She was out of control running around and got hot so she decided to take her clothes off!
Yes, that does say -9 degrees

New Year's day kiss:)

2010 in Review

2010-12-31T00:03:00.000-08:00

2010-from a nanny/student at BYU to a grad student at GWU. It has been quite the year and transition!!

If you would have told me a year ago that I would be living in DC, going to GWU I probably would have laughed. It was this time a year ago today that I went down into the metro at the foggy bottom stop and thought, oh, GWU has a sonography program, that would be crazy if I went there. Two months later, I applied and for some crazy reasons the decided they wanted me. I miss Utah like crazy, but I couldn't be happier and I know I am where I am supposed to be.

2010 was a fabulous year.

I chopped my hair. finally after talking about it forever.

Last semester at BYU

Mexico with GM

hosted many parties with friends

lunched with girlfriends

Chilled with the kiddies

partied at the enclave

visited the Utah Hoogle Zoo. The drinking fountain will always be my favorite

Hung out at B Lake

Swam. A lot.

Spent time with family

BYU let me loose!

enjoyed the beautiful Provo Canyon

Finished my second half marathon and second triatholon

said aloha to amanda

Married off ems

said farewell to family, friends, and utah

said hello to DC!

and a new school, which brought with it a lot of new experiences and A LOT of studying!

Seriously thought about running through the pond. I still really want to.

Met awesome new best friends

visited the best place ever!!

Fulfilled my dream of apple orchards and pumpkin patches!

Dressed up as Utah for Halloween-fitting;)

Finally came home for Christmas and decked out true Sargent style.

Farewell 2010! As Dr. Seuss say, "Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happend!"

I can't wait for 2011. I am sure it will be another fabulous year full of adventure and fun.

Snowed in

2010-12-29T19:08:00.001-08:00

Catherine made it to our house just in time to be snowed in so we decided to make cookies!

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
1 cup butter softened
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 1/4 cup flour
2 cups oats
2 cups milk chocolate chips

Bake at 350 degrees for ten minutes:)

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2010-12-29T13:10:00.001-08:00

Nothing like free samples and a diet coke from Costco. I love that place!

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GM's Jello

2010-12-26T21:52:00.000-08:00

Strawberry jello
Canned mixed fruit
Pineapple tidbits
mandrian oranges
grapes
bananas
cherries
Whipping cream
Prepare and make jello as directed. After it is done, mix in fruit and whip cream.

Holiday Happenings

2010-12-26T21:23:00.000-08:00

All the kids chilling with their favorite Aunt!

The annual Sargent tea party

The adult Christmas night out at PMT's production of White Christmas

Caroling to Mootz on Christmas Eve day-or "Barbaraing" as Doug would say! My favorite thing that mootz would say when people asked what her name was: "It is Barbara, two BAR's and an A!"

Christmas Eve games-I totally rocked this game

Will was the star in our live nativity on Christmas Eve!

Lighting luminaries at my dad's grave. It is tradition on Christmas to light luminaries in Mexico and since that is where he served his mission, we all went down to the cemetery on Christmas Eve and sang Christmas hymns-sorry dad, we are not the best singers!

Christmas Eve dinner

Banna mid air

Christmas morning breakfast with mootz

My Christmas present-I still don't feel smart enough to be a college grad!

Making Marg's traditional Christmas scones!

Sunday afternoon movie with the kids-Preston and I both have our drinks!

The Patterson cousin Christmas party.

Beks the Best!!

Now, off to start another week of visiting friends, family, and hopefully getting some ski time in!!

Day 25-Happy Christmas:)

2010-12-25T18:40:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Story, Luke chapter 2

http://lds.org/topic/christmas/christmas-story.html

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Isaiah 6:8

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form no comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath born our griefs and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him.

Isaiah 53:2-5

All is calm

2010-12-24T21:56:00.001-08:00

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Just sitting here with marg on the couch enjoying the lights before we head off to the church to listen to Christmas hymns. It is quiet and that is a beautiful word after 7 children under five have partied hard. I love them, but they sure are crazy!

Marg had all the Christmas scrapbooks out. It was so much fun to look at holidays from when my mom and dad were first married. I found this pic and it made me laugh:)

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Day 24

2010-12-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!

I just got kicked out of the kitchen. My jobs now include wrapping presents and finding costumes for the live nativity that will be going down tonight; we are having two baby Jesus'.

I have been having so much fun catching up with family and friends this past week. I have loved every minute spent with others-even the quick visits.

GM's Christmas lights; I am pretty sure these are the same lights that grandpa used to put up in Holladay. Just seeing them reminds me of Christmas Eve dinner's at her house. She always made the best dinner and we always had so much fun watching her Christmas tree. Tonight it is my job to make the famous Sargent jello. I don't think I can make it like her, but I will try!

If you are ever by Layton High School, you have to drive through this Christmas street; they have music and all of these random Christmas lights that include frogs jumping into water, mermaids, and elephants.

Temple Square lights round one

My two hot dates to Temple Sqaure lights round two

One of my favorite traditions is to go to the Nutcracker. This year we took Eliza and Maddi. After we went to the sugar plum party and the girls got to go up on stage and get their picture taken. They had the same steps that I got to sit and get my picture taken when my grandpa would take me to the nutcracker.

I always felt so special because I got to dress up.

(I can't figure out to move these so they are the right way!)

This morning the Patterson gang got together to go caroling to Mootz. It was so much fun to be with family and spend time with Mootz.

I better go and do my chores before Marg kicks me out of the living room. Happy Christmas!

Day 23

2010-12-23T00:25:00.000-08:00

Day 22

2010-12-23T00:23:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I went to Temple Square with a couple of friends. This was the second time I went to see the lights this Christmas season. While we were there we stopped to watch the Nativity Story. It was short, but simple and the perfect reminder to the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Day 21

2010-12-21T12:22:00.001-08:00

President Eyring's Christmas message

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Day 20

2010-12-20T10:25:00.001-08:00

Look to the light

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Day 19 and other Christmas happenings

2010-12-19T20:49:00.000-08:00

I found this quote in my notes when I was studying for finals. I know it doesn't exactly apply to Christmas, but in a way it does. I have found so much happiness through Christ. I am so grateful for the birth of the Savior; it is through Him that we can find true happiness.

and other wonderful Utah happenings...

I have had so much fun getting together with different friends. I always laugh so much when I am with this group. We had such a fun time catching up, opening white elephants, and playing marg's games.

I also was so lucky to be in town for one of my best friend's wedding. This was especially fun because she met her husband at the enclave so we basically just had a party with the wedding party!!

there has been a lot of hanging with the kiddies and it is always crazy, but fun!

Classic. Yes, I did go out on a Saturday night looking like this; tis the season. I only ran into a couple people that I know!

It has been so much fun to be with family and friends this holiday season.

Day 16

2010-12-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

Without Ribbon and Bows,

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=e9644c98f92fb010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

Day 15

2010-12-16T00:00:00.001-08:00

Today was fabulous; I woke up to a winter wonderland and caught up with the best friends ever!

Day 15

http://lds.org/ensign/2001/12/a-christmas-with-no-presents?lang=eng

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Day 14

2010-12-14T21:58:00.000-08:00

I love coming home for Christmas:)

These kids are OUT OF CONTROL!!! It was totally worth the chaos.

Performing-they really like to shake it.

After the children left, we had our annual Christmas candy/treat making night. Marg was out of control and I got in trouble because I was not glazing the popcorn fast enough.
The Gift of ChristmasBy Elder Widstoe "Christmas gifts should be in memory of the divine gift, the life of Jesus Christ. His gift gave us eternal life; our gifts should enliven with joy those who receive. His gift was the sacrifice of his earthly life; our gifts should represent personal sacrifices on our part."

Find the rest of the talk here,
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=8e91c3bf2053c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

#5 reason why DC is legit

2010-12-13T23:24:00.000-08:00

All my bags are packed, but it is snowing here; hopefully DC plows can handle snow like Utah can!

Numero cinco reason why DC is AWESOME and you should come visit me:

It is snowing here and raining in Utah. I love SNOW and I love my roommates for the following reason-as seen through pictures. Please don't judge us.

I love these girls:) We were trying to pull an all nighter-first red bull ever. It was disgusting.

Day 13

2010-12-13T20:26:00.000-08:00

A Season for Angels, by Elder Bateman

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=429141dc0d186110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

Here I come mountains:)

2010-12-13T20:19:00.000-08:00

I sang the Utah song to my roommate today because...

My count down chain is down to one; peace out DC!

I woke up to this wonderful message in my inbox. That is right folks, it is time to check in!! I am coming home:)

Truth be told, I am so excited to come home, but I am really going to miss it here-especially the people.

Day 12

2010-12-12T18:44:00.001-08:00

I know, I have failed the last couple of days with the 25 days of Christmas; I blame it on finals. Hopefully this wonderful Christmas story makes up for it.

The Son of God
President Gordon B. Hinckley

"There is a magic in Christmas. Hearts are opened to a new measure of kindness. Love speaks with increased power. Tensions are eased...
"Of all things of heaven and earth of which we bear testimony, none is so important as our witness that Jesus, the Christmas child, condescended to come to earth from the realms of His Eternal Father, here to work among men as healer and teacher, our Great Exemplar. And further, and most important, He suffered on Calvary's cross as an atoning sacrifice for all mankind.
"At this time of Christmas, this season when gifts are given, let us not forget that God gave His Son, and His Son gave His life, that each of us might have the gift of eternal life"

Find the talk here, http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=425c9209df38b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

Only 4 days!!!

2010-12-09T13:11:00.001-08:00

4 days! In just 4 days I will be surrounded by these...

I will not be studying this*

and I will be surrounded by those I love!

I really think I might breath easier:)

I wanted to put up a bunch of pics of people I am excited to see, but I didn't have time and this one just makes me happy and encompasses how all the people in my life make me feel.

*yes, I am at the library and I am supposed to be studying, but I have distraction problems.

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the best part of utah

2010-12-08T22:56:00.000-08:00

I think it would be safe to say that I am most excited to see this crazy bunch.

Happy Christmas!

Day 8

2010-12-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf : Seeing Christmas Through New Eyes

Isn't this a wonderful time of the year! So many things fill our hearts with the spirit of Christmas: the melody of Christmas carols, the lights, the decorations, and the happy greetings of "Merry Christmas!"
There are certain words that ring like bells in my soul and remind me of the beauty and meaning of Christmas-words such as "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus," [1] and of course "Joy to the World!" "Away in a Manger," and "Silent Night."
There are other words, more cautionary, that are worthy of our consideration as well-words such as:
Every Who
Down in Who-ville
Liked Christmas a lot . . .
But the Grinch,
Who lived just north of Who-ville,
Did NOT! [2]
The Grinch, that memorable character from a classic children's story by Dr. Seuss, had a heart that "was two sizes too small," and he hated everything about Christmas. Through the course of the story, however, he undergoes a dramatic transformation when he learns that there is more to Christmas than decorations and gifts.
Perhaps the Grinch's story is so memorable because, if we are honest, we may be able to relate to him. Who among us has not felt concern over the commercialization and even greed of the Christmas season? Who hasn't felt overwhelmed by the packed calendars, the stress of finding gifts, the pressure of planning meals and events? In fact, psychologists tell us that during this season of cheer and goodwill, many feel sorrow and depression.
We know what the Christmas season ought to be-we know it should be a time of reflection on the birth of the Savior, a time of celebration and of generosity. But sometimes our focus is so much on the things that annoy and overwhelm us that we can almost hear ourselves say in unison with the Grinch: "Why, for fifty-three years I've put up with it now! I MUST stop this Christmas from coming! . . . But HOW?"
While it's true that we can find materialism and anxiety in Christmas, it is also true that if we have eyes to see, we can experience the powerful message of the birth of the Son of God and feel the hope and peace He brings to the world. We, like the Grinch, can see Christmas through new eyes.
Looking for Christ
As an old family tradition, our family has always celebrated the Advent of Christmas. Starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, we would get together on Sunday afternoons, light wax candles on a pine Advent wreath, enjoy delicious homemade cookies, and read passages of scriptures that center on the Christ.
We read accounts of ancient prophets who yearned for the coming of the Messiah. We read scriptures that proclaimed the wondrous story of His birth. Each week by singing beautiful Christmas songs and having a fun time together, our family tried to refocus on the true meaning of the season. I must admit that delicious hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and tasty homemade cookies helped a lot to catch the joyful feeling of the Christmas season!
While celebrating the Advent of Christmas is not part of all cultures around the globe, there is something we can learn from this widespread Christian tradition. Perhaps even this year we might carve from our busy schedules some time to study and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas-personally and as families.
When we prepare for Christmas by pondering its real meaning, we prepare to experience the Christ and His message. May I suggest three things we may want to study, ponder, and apply in this season of preparation.
Rejoice in the Birth of our Savior
First, rejoice in the birth of our Savior. We celebrate the birth of the Son of God, the Creator, our Messiah. We rejoice that the King of kings came to earth, was born in a manger, and lived a perfect life. When Jesus was born, the joy in heaven was so great it could not be contained, and angelic hosts parted the veil, proclaiming unto shepherds "good tidings of great joy . . ." praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." [3]
Wise Men, "rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when . . . they saw the young child with Mary his mother, [they] fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts." [4]
It is only fitting that we-like the Wise Men, shepherds, and angels-take time to rejoice and celebrate that glorious first Christmas Day.
Ponder His influence in our Lives Today
Second, ponder His influence in our lives today. The more commercialized and busy the Christmas season becomes, the easier it is for the sublime message of the Savior's life to get lost along the way. If we notice that planning for parties and scrambling for presents begins to detract from the peaceable message of Jesus Christ and distances us from the gospel He preached, let us take a step back, slow down a little, and reconsider what matters most.
Christmas is a time for remembering the Son of God and renewing our determination to take upon us His name. It is a time to reassess our lives and examine our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Let this be a time of remembrance, of gratitude, and a time of forgiveness. Let it be a time to ponder the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its meaning for each of us personally. Let it especially be a time of renewal and recommitment to live by the word of God and to obey His commandments. By doing this, we honor Him far more than we ever could with lights, gifts, or parties.
Look Steadfastly for His Coming
Third, look steadfastly for His coming. The early disciples of Jesus Christ yearned for the time when He would come again. For them, mortality was a time of preparation and growth, of sifting and refining, a time for trimming their lamps and preparing for the return of their beloved Savior.
Brothers and sisters, 2,000 years later we also stand as His disciples. We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The term latter-day is significant. We live and serve in a time prior to the Lord's triumphant return. Our work is to prepare ourselves and the world for the coming of the Messiah in glory!
Not long after His mortal ministry, Christ said to the Apostle John, "Surely I come quickly." And John answered, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." [5]
We live in the 11th hour before the coming of the day of our Lord. Let us therefore look forward to that blessed day when the King of kings descends with a shout, [6] takes away death, dries up tears, and ushers in a new era of peace, joy, and learning.
While the Christmas season is typically a time for looking back and celebrating the birth of our Lord, it seems to me that it should also be a time of looking to the future. Let us look forward. Let us prepare for that blessed day when He will come again. Let us be as wise as those ancients who watched for His coming. As His disciples, let us have in our hearts and minds the words of John: "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
Seeing Christmas with New Eyes
If we look for what is wrong with the Christmas season, we can surely find it. Like the Grinch, we can grumble and complain, becoming cold and cynical about what we see around us. Nevertheless, if we look for the good, we can see this time of year with new eyes-perhaps even with the eyes of a child.
The Grinch saw the good in Christmas when he learned to look past its worldly trappings. If we do the same, we can, with the Grinch, proclaim: "Maybe Christmas . . . doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more!"
Our heart may not grow three sizes as the Grinch's did, but our heart will change. Our eyes will open to the miracles all around us-at Christmastime and throughout the year.
I pray that during this season and always, we will see the purity of the story of the Savior's birth and feel sincere gratitude for His life, teachings, and saving sacrifice for us. May this gratitude cause us to renew our determination to follow Him. May it also lead us to draw closer to our family, our church, and our fellowmen. And may we look steadfastly forward to that blessed day when the resurrected Christ will walk the earth again as our Lord, our King, and our blessed Savior.
I pray that each and every one of you will have a wonderful and merry Christmas season. I leave you my love and blessings in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[1] Luke 2:1.
[2] Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! [1957].
[3] Luke 2:10, 13-14.
[4] Matthew 2:10-11.
[5] Revelation 22:20.
[6] See 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

Day 7

2010-12-07T20:08:00.000-08:00

Today has been a fantastic day...
-I did an entire pelvic exam by myself and even found all the ovaries-FYI, this is not an easy task and I HATE doing pelvic exams so I was pretty happy about this.
-I went grocery shopping at trader joe's.
-I read friend's comments on facebook and it made me laugh.
-I came home to a package from GWU that my mom had them send. It was a finals survival kit that had my favorite popcorn, animal crackers, and m&m's-thanks mom!
-and last, but not least, delivered our neighbor gifts. It was so cold and windy that I felt like I was skiing at an incredibly fast pace down a mountain.

This is an awesome scripture,
http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/7?lang=eng
10And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

11And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

13Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

Day 6

2010-12-06T19:30:00.000-08:00

The Living Christ

Day 5 and DC holiday happenings-a couple more reasons why DC is legit

2010-12-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

Ice skating in front of the National Archives; enough said.

It was freezing so I had to pull out the big guns.

making Christmas cookies after the Christmas devo.

one of Kyle's many cookie creations

Day 5: tonight we watched the first presidency's Christmas devotional; if you were unable to see it you can watch it here.

Day 4

2010-12-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

Day 3

2010-12-03T20:56:00.000-08:00

The Best Christmas Ever

Thomas S. Monson

Ensign, Dec. 2008

At this season of the year, the airways are filled with the music of Christmas. My heart often turns to home and to Christmases past as I listen to some of my favorite Christmas songs, such as this one:

Oh, there’s no place like home

For the holidays, ’cause no matter

How far away you roam

If you want to be happy in a million ways

For the holidays, you can’t beat

Home, sweet home.

One writer said: “Again Christmas, abiding point of return. Set apart by its mystery, mood and magic, the season seems, in a way to stand outside time. All that is dear, that is lasting, renews its hold on us: we are home again.”

President David O. McKay (1873–1970) declared: “True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service.

“It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which will bring ‘peace on earth,’ because it means—good will toward all men.”

Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than things. To catch the real meaning of the “spirit of Christmas,” we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the “Spirit of Christ."

Remembering Him

When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year. We contemplate that first Christmas day, foretold by the prophets of old. You, with me, recall the words from Isaiah: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel”—meaning “God with us.”

On the American continent, the prophets said: “The time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent … shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay. … He shall suffer temptations, and pain. … And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

Then came that night of nights when the shepherds were abiding in the fields and the angel of the Lord appeared to them, announcing the birth of the Savior. Later, Wise Men journeyed from the East to Jerusalem, “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. …

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

Times change; years speed by; but Christmas continues sacred. In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved.

A Gift of Christmas

In the early 1930s, Margaret Kisilevich and her sister Nellie gave a Christmas gift to their neighbors, the Kozicki family, which was remembered by them all their lives and which has become an inspiration to their families.

Home to Margaret back then was Two Hills, Alberta, Canada—a farming community populated largely by Ukrainian and Polish immigrants who generally had large families and were very poor. It was the time of the Great Depression.

Margaret’s family consisted of her mother and father and their 15 children. Margaret’s mother was industrious and her father was enterprising—and with all those children, they had a built-in labor force. Consequently, their home was always warm, and despite their humble circumstances, they were never hungry. In the summer they grew an enormous garden, made sauerkraut, cottage cheese, sour cream, and dill pickles for barter. They also raised chickens, pigs, and beef cattle. They had very little cash, but these goods could be exchanged for other commodities they could not produce themselves.

Margaret’s mother had friends with whom she had emigrated from the old country. These friends owned a general store, and the store became a depot for folks in the area to donate or trade surplus hand-me-down clothing, shoes, etc. Many of these used items were passed along to Margaret’s family.

Alberta winters were cold, long, and hard, and one particularly cold and difficult winter, Margaret and her sister Nellie noticed the poverty of their neighbors, the Kozicki family, whose farm was a few miles away. When the Kozicki father would take his children to school on his homemade sleigh, he would always go into the school to warm himself by the potbelly stove before returning home. The family’s footwear consisted of rags and gunny sacks cut into strips and wrapped about the legs and feet, stuffed with straw, and bound with twine.

Margaret and Nellie decided to invite the Kozicki family, by way of the children, for Christmas dinner. They also decided not to tell anyone in their family of the invitation.

Christmas morning dawned, and everyone in Margaret’s family was busy with the preparations for the midday feast. The huge pork roast had been put in the oven the night before. The cabbage rolls, doughnuts, prune buns, and special burnt sugar punch had been prepared earlier. The menu would be rounded out with sauerkraut, dill pickles, and vegetables. Margaret and Nellie were in charge of getting the fresh vegetables ready, and their mother kept asking them why they were peeling so many potatoes, carrots, and beets. But they just kept peeling.

Their father was the first to notice a team of horses and a sleigh packed with 13 people coming down their lane. He, being a horse lover, could recognize a team from a long distance. He asked his wife, “Why are the Kozickis coming here?” Her response to him was, “I don’t know.”

They arrived, and Margaret’s father helped Mr. Kozicki stable the horses. Mrs. Kozicki embraced Margaret’s mother and thanked her for inviting them for Christmas. Then they all piled into the house, and the festivities began.

The adults ate first, and then the plates and cutlery were washed, and the children ate in shifts. It was a glorious feast, made better by the sharing of it. After everyone had eaten, they sang Christmas carols together, and then the adults settled down for another chat.

Charity in Action

Margaret and Nellie took the children into the bedroom and pulled from under the beds several boxes filled with hand-me-downs they had been given by their mother’s merchant friends. It was heavenly chaos, with an instant fashion show and everyone picking whatever clothes and footwear they wanted. They made such a racket that Margaret’s father came in to see what all the noise was about. When he saw their happiness and the joy of the Kozicki children with their “new” clothes, he smiled and said, “Carry on.”

Early in the afternoon, before it got too cold and dark with the setting sun, Margaret’s family bid farewell to their friends, who left well fed, well clothed, and well shod.

Margaret and Nellie never told anyone about their invitation to the Kozickis, and the secret remained until Margaret Kisilevich Wright’s 77th Christmas, in 1998, when she shared it with her family for the first time. She said it was her very best Christmas ever.

If we are to have the very best Christmas ever, we must listen for the sound of sandaled feet. We must reach out for the Carpenter’s hand. With every step we take in His footsteps, we abandon a doubt and gain a truth.

It was said of Jesus of Nazareth that He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”7 Do we have the determination to do likewise? One line of holy writ contains a tribute to our Lord and Savior, of whom it was said, He “went about doing good … ; for God was with him.”

My prayer is that at this Christmas season and all the Christmastimes to come, we may follow in His footsteps. Then each Christmas will be the best Christmas ever.

Day 2

2010-12-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

25 days of Christmas

2010-12-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

As the baby of my family I get a lot of extra things; extra vacations with the mother, probably more "stuff'," and most definitely more love-I am the favorite child after all, but there is one thing I get less of, the old family traditions. I am not complaining, I have had about 16 years of solid tradition, but as my family has grown old traditions have been lost and new traditions have been found. In an effort to think less about the fact that I will not sit on the top of my stairs this Christmas or sleep in my mother's bed with my siblings and think more about the real meaning of Christmas, I am going to read a Christmas story or thought a day until Christmas and I thought I might as well share this joy with others.

At least Marg will still read The Polar Express this Christmas Eve and will no doubt end up crying towards the end of the book.

Can We See the Christ?

By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Ensign, Dec. 2010, 4–6

One night a grandfather was reading a story to his four-year-old granddaughter when she looked up and said, “Grandpa, look at the stars!” The older man smiled kindly and said, “We’re indoors, honey. There are no stars here.” But the child insisted, “You have stars in your room! Look!”

The grandfather looked up and, to his surprise, noticed that the ceiling was peppered with a metallic glitter. It was invisible most of the time, but when the light struck the glitter a certain way, it did indeed look like a field of stars. It took the eyes of a child to see them, but there they were. And from that moment on, when the grandfather walked into this room and looked up, he could see what he had not been able to see before.
We are entering another wonderful Christmas season filled with music and lights, parties and presents. But of all people, we as members of the church that bears the Savior’s name need to look beyond the façade of the season and see the sublime truth and beauty of this time of year.

I wonder how many in Bethlehem knew that right there, close to them, the Savior had been born? The Son of God, the long-awaited and promised Messiah—He was in their midst!
Do you remember what the angel told the shepherds? “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” And they said to themselves, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass” (Luke 2:11, 15).

Like the shepherds of old, we need to say in our hearts, “Let us see this thing which is come to pass.” We need to desire it in our hearts. Let us see the Holy One of Israel in the manger, in the temple, on the mount, and on the cross. Like the shepherds, let us glorify and praise God for these tidings of great joy!

Sometimes the most difficult things to see are those that have been right in front of us all along. Like the grandfather who failed to see the stars on the ceiling, we sometimes cannot see that which is in plain sight.
We who have heard the glorious message of the coming of the Son of God, we who have taken upon us His name and have covenanted to walk in His path as His disciples—we must not fail to open our hearts and minds and truly see Him.

The Christmas season is wonderful in many ways. It is a season of charitable acts of kindness and brotherly love. It is a season of being more reflective about our own lives and about the many blessings that are ours. It is a season of forgiving and being forgiven. It is a season to enjoy the music and lights, parties and presents. But the glitter of the season should never dim our sight and prevent us from truly seeing the Prince of Peace in His majesty.

Let us all make this year’s Christmas season a time of rejoicing and celebration, a time when we acknowledge the miracle that our Almighty God sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem the world!

Happy Christmas!!

2010-12-01T18:02:00.001-08:00

We are decking the halls every night at our apartment before I leave and I really start decking the halls, Utah style. We started by decorating our tree tonight while singing Christmas carols.

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are we there yet??

2010-11-27T08:06:00.001-08:00

We are off to explore the big apple decked out for the holidays. Wish me luck; I am pretty sure it will look something like this: marge in charge with her old school map and me with my iPhone directions. Sometimes we are too much alike for our own good.

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Monday, Monday

2010-11-22T20:02:00.001-08:00

Today at school the this one lady was telling me that her favorite part of the holidays is when her family gathers around in the family room and just sits and talks. This made me miss my family. One of my favorite things we always end up doing at Bear Lake is gathering. Whether it is out on the lawn while the kids are playing or in the family room when all the kids are finally asleep. We just sit and talk and laugh about random stuff; most of the time my sister or I will fall asleep either on the floor or on a couch and someone will try and get us up to go to bed, but we just keep sleeping until we finally wake up to find that we are the only ones left.

23 days!!!! Family, be ready to gather!

This crazy woman is coming tomorrow! We are going to have a blast shopping and exploring. She doesn't know it yet, but she is going to rollerblade in my third annual Sargent turkey trot. It is going to be just like Newport Beach circa 1997 when we rollerbladed along the beach and she was screaming, "Move it or lose it, these things don't have brakes!"

On a sad baking note, this was my cake that I made for my roommates bday. Lucky for me, it was supposed to be a three tiered cake so I had two other round cakes that turned out OK.