The Secret to a PERFECT Christmas

I love Christmas. We're talking head-over-heels, love Christmas. I adore traditions, carols, holiday food, decor and buying or making gifts for loved ones. I think I already established the fact that I blast my Christmas tunes WAY before December, and I'll admit, I have to fight some serious blues after the 25th, because all the excitement is over.

Except for the two Christmases I was serving as a missionary for my church, I have been home every year. My parents live in the country, and always seem to make Christmas perfect. There is a fire roaring in the fireplace, our eclectic stockings are hung, and pine bows are everywhere.

Every Christmas Eve my parents host a party...which they never really know how many people will come to (because my dad just invites everyone he sees), but the house is always FULL. I love it. I love Christmas for every reason...I'll admit it, I love it for the presents. For the wrapping paper (I LOVE choosing the paper!). For the songs and lights. But especially, I love it for the opportunity to reach out to others.

As a Christian, I celebrate with all my heart the birth of my Savior Jesus Christ, during this time of year.  I try to make a sincere effort to increase my faith in Him, and to help others do the same. To me, Christmas isn't Christmas without heartfelt service. I love finding opportunities to make people smile and spread the Spirit of Christ.

This year we are not going to my parents.
At first, it was really hard for me to accept, but then I realized, Christmas is up to me.
I can make this Christmas the best yet.
I can focus more on others, than on myself.

This year we are finishing school, and we don't have a lot of money for gifts, so my wish list looks a little different. This is really all I want this year.

-Help to bring someone to Christ (specifically, have them accept an invitation to learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ)
-Have a *perfect* technology- free day (and do something fun as a family)
-Invite random people to a Christmas Eve party (I don't mean TOTAL strangers...just people I don't know as well)
-Consistently have family prayer in the morning and night
-Study topics like faith, love, and obedience in my daily personal scripture study.
-Find a random person to help
-Try for a completely sarcastic-free month (Something I struggle with).

Really, the food, gifts and parties are all just fluff. The best part of Christmas is feeling the special spirit of Christmas, which I believe, is really the spirit of Christ...or the joy we feel because of His influence and power. What an exciting time of year! We can make a great difference in the world, not just during December, but all year long. Lets reach out to someone, Lets commit to change something about ourselves. Lets spend more time with loved ones.
  Whether you share my beliefs or not, or even whether you celebrate Christmas or not, everyday is up to you! You can live for yourself, and have a good life, or you can life for others and have a great, full life. I do not have a perfect life, and I am NOT a perfect person, but I am so happy! I feel so blessed, and just want to share that, even if it is in the tiniest way.

Christmas flashback age 10. I wish I would have kept that ugly sweater!

I love you.
Joy to the World, and Merry Christmas!

Biggest Motivation Should Be Self Mastery

Something I have been thinking a lot about is the why behind self-control. I believe that we are more capable of reaching our goals, and continuing to progress, if we are motivated by a desire to master ourselves, rather than seeking external rewards.

Let me start with a personal confession and epiphany. I have never struggled with my weight. Please don't take this as bragging, I am just being honest. There have certainly been times in my life when I have looked and felt healthier, and have had more or less muscle health and mass. Besides obviously gaining weight when I was pregnant, I have pretty much been the same weight since about eight grade---give or take a few pounds. With that said, I have had a lot  of people say things like this to me:

" I am glad to see you are eating that (insert cookie, cake, candy), you definitely need it!"

"You don't have any fat on you, you can eat whatever you want."

"Why do you run? You look great?"

"You don't have to worry about what you eat like the rest of us do."

"You are lucky to have such a fast metabolism, so you can eat whatever you want."

Comments like that always confused me. So, the only reason we should eat right is to prevent us from gaining weight? So everyone who isn't overweight can just have a free-for-all in the candy isle? Celery and spinach are only for people who really need it? The only purpose of exercise is weight loss? Ridiculous, right? I thought so. What if we are focusing on the wrong thing.

This isn't just about body image, it can apply to any goal we are trying to set..but my point is it should be motivated first by the intrinsic and second by the external.

Sticking to a diet or reaching a lofty goal changes you.  You become a master of yourself. You are more disciplined in at least one area of your life. That brings power. Regardless of your beliefs, you can't argue that reaching a long sought after goal brings joy and a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It is progression. Eating right=power. Choosing to limit time on the internet or TV= power. Deciding to spend more quality time with loved ones= power. Exercise= power. Do you see?

But why do we all seem to struggle with our goals? Why do we set so many that we can't reach? Maybe we are focusing too much on the external, and not enough on the intrinsic. We want the outward results of a fitter body, but we aren't willing to dedicate our spirit, control our will and change our nature to reach our goal. If we set a goal that is motivated solely by an external force, we may digress rather than progress if our goal is not met.

People can totally meet goals if they are strictly externally motivated. You can loose weight if all you want is a slimmer body. You can run a marathon if all you want to do is say you did it. But, I believe the entire experience can be life changing, and more influential if you are motivated for reasons like reaching this goal will make me a better parent. It will make me a more loving spouse. It will help me focus more. It will give me power. It will help me take control of my life. It will help me to be more confident. 

It's all about self-mastery. So what if I don't look any different if I eat junk? I may not be gaining any physical weight, but my spirit, my will-power, is suffering. It is my personal believe that one reason we are on this earth is to learn to control ourselves. That is one important test. I may not look different when I eat a whole pan of brownies (and believe me, it has happened), but I feel different. I just lost, or surrendered, some of my self-control. I was weak. I caved. 

As the new year approaches, let us think about steps we can take to really develop greater Self Mastery.  You can do it! I believe in you!

Ariel's Theory of Cold

Ok, I know it's been awhile. Sorry for those loyal readers, I know you have just been sitting in front of your computer awaiting my next post.

Well, as it turns out, I have written many posts in my head, but that doesn't really amount to anything unless I have a USB port in my skull (which I don't, by the way).

But, also as it turns out, I have been doing many wonderful things totally unrelated to blogging, so I don't feel bad at all.

Okay, so here is something I have been thinking about. COLD. It's relative. Did you know that?

Let me explain.

I moved to Vegas from a small town in Southeastern Idaho that gets REEEEALLY cold in the winter. I'm talking nose-hairs-are-icicles, lungs-hurt-when-you-breathe, and if it's "just zero" you are excited. (And several years before that I lived in Alaska...which, lets just say has a chilly reputation.)

When I moved here it was 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Roasted my little Idaho tooshie. I was so surprised how many people said something like: "Just wait till it's winter! It gets really cold here!" I didn't believe it for one second. I thought, "Yeah, like 40 degrees? That's a beautiful spring day!"

But, I discovered, feeling cold is all about 1) Contrast and Acclimation, and 2) something I'll call the "Visual Factor."

1) Contrast and Acclimation.

120 Degrees to 40 is quite the jump. 80 degrees to be exact.

If it was 65 degrees, an 80 degree temperature jump would put you -15.

My point is, it's still the same contrast. A mild winter FEELS just as uncomfortable after a scorching summer as a mild summer does with a freezing winter. Make sense? It's all about contrast. If it is sunny almost everyday (like it is in Vegas), then when it is suddenly rainy, windy and gray, your system is thrown for a chilly loop, and you find yourself blasting your heater, wearing three layers of sweats, and sipping hot cocoa.

Now for acclimation.

If you've ever experienced a really cold, long winter you know how it is when things finally start warming up in the spring. I remember going on my first "t-shirt and shorts" run, and it felt SO warm at 35 or 40. But that is almost a tropical paradise when you've been in the negatives for months and months. Suddenly you wake up, and your nose hairs are thawed, and it's time to pull out the shorts and sandals, and go tanning on the lawn.

I never, ever, EVER  thought I would admit that Vegas winters are cold, or that northern California winters are cold, but I'll be frank, and frankly I am freezing. Sadly I have acclimated, and my internal regulators are noticing it isn't 70 degrees anymore.

2) The Visual Factor. 

How you view whats outside your window plays a big role in whether or not you "feel cold." Let me try to explain: I wake up and open the blinds. Sunny. So I think "Sun=warmth. Must be warm, since that is what I have experience most of my 26 years of existence". So I dress sunny-like. Then, I go outside. It may be sunny, but it is not warm. The Visual Factor means I feel way colder than it is, because I was mentally tricked into thinking it was warmer, and thus put on inadequate clothing.

If it looks cold, you dress for the weather. So, you don't feel as cold.

Maybe for most of the population this factor became extinct with the rise of the Weather Channel and the Internet, but I actually don't check the weather the first thing every morning, so I call victim to this quite often.

Feeling cold is so interesting to me. I've really felt guilty for months for feeling chilly in one of the warmest places in the world. I felt like a wimp. But I am happy to know that through my own research, based on my own theoretical conclusions, I am completely sane and can feel no shame in admitting that I am freezing in Las Vegas.

Felt good to get that off my chest. The end.

Blast to the past. Me at age 3 :)

20 Reasons I Don't Feel Guilty Listening to Christmas Music (and watching Christmas Movies) Before Halloween

1. It makes me happy. 

2. There is a serious shortage is Thanksgiving music/movies. 

3. While there is not a shortage of Halloween movies, I get scared very easily, so this is a great way to prevent me from wetting my pants.

4. It's kind of fun to do something that sets you apart as one of those people ( :) )

5. I love Christmas. So why not extend my celebrating as long as I possibly can??

6. The themes are so happy and uplifting and can be applied to any time of the year (serving others, giving meaningful gifts, Jesus Christ, love...)

7. Somehow I feel like listening to Christmas music will make it snow faster and harder...

8. While artists do come up with new holiday songs every year, most sing the same ones over and over, so you are bound to memorize them at some point. Makes karaoke in the car much easier and more fun.

9. Maybe I am preparing to be an elf for halloween, and I am grateful for Christmas, so really I am celebrating all the fall holidays.

10. Adding to #2..I cannot think of a single Halloween song. The only one that pops in my head is the "And they call him Sandy Claws" from The Nightmare Before Christmas,  and well, that is actually a Christmas song...so point proven.

11. I am the Primary music leader for my church. We have to start practicing for the Nativity play....so I must listen to Christmas music to get ready (oh bummer!)

12. My favorite holiday songs are the ones about my Savior (O Holy Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night..), which are really just ballads of faith. That totally applies anytime.

13. People tend to offer you great ultimatums: " I will give you____ if you just turn off that @#%^&$%# Christmas music!" 

14. Without starting my Christmas music marathon in October, I am completely devastated when the holidays end. In contrast, when I blast those carols for two plus solid months, I am very ready to retire them for awhile. It's a coping mechanism, really.

15. If "Christmas Cheer" makes people extra happy and caring, why not get a kick start on that? (Sure, we should always be happy and caring, but we all know the world could use some more).

16. I don't grimace when stores start playing holiday tunes in November. It's like a strength and conditioning program for my ears.

17. Do you think Santa limits his holiday jamming sessions to one measly month?!

18. It makes me even more excited for Christmas.

19. Since I live someplace that doesn't snow, it is necessary to have a significant buildup to the holidays to maintain excitement. 

20. It singing practice. This way, I am a much better singer during December than I would be without my 2 month warmup. We would all sound like Herald angels if we had more time to prepare.

Finding Beauty Anywhere is a Key to Happiness

The other day I had a conversation with a random woman. It went something like this:

Me: It's toasty out!
Woman: Mmmm, I love it!
Me: Really? We grew up in Oregon, and just came from Idaho, so I guess we are used to more greenery and cooler weather. 
Woman: I'm a desert girl. I love the dry, hot weather. 
(In my head: What?! Do you realize there is more in the world, right? Like, trees that actually grow naturally and don't have to be planted and highly maintained and manicured to grow. Your saying you PREFER to scorch your hiney off and feel thirsty and dry all the time, to the magic of seasons? To Autumn leaves and fall snow? To hot cocoa and snowball fights? To fireplaces and frozen toesies? (Ok, maybe not the toesies) You actually like the fact that main color in the desert palette is brown? Are you human?!)

Maybe I should have prefaced that little dialogue by saying my husband and I recently moved from a freezing little town in Idaho to the desert of Las Vegas. I also spent half of my adolescent life in Alaska,  and the other half in Oregon, both places I was blessed to live on beautiful acreage. To say that greenery and seasonal wonders-- like the leaves changing, and the first snow fall---run in my veins is probably an understatement. I LOVE the outdoors. My heart skips a beat when the leaves come out in the spring. I am obsessed with the sound of leaves crunching under my feet, and the first snowfall of the year is as magical as anything at Hogwarts. I just love it.

Near where I am from in Oregon. The beautiful Columbia River Gorge

Near where I lived in Palmer, Alaska

Beautiful fall pictures of a Utah canyon taken by my lovely sister-in-law.

My parent's home in the winter (in Oregon).

My exploring buddy. In Jackson Hole, Wy.

I love my snow bunny!

A beautiful lake in south east Idaho.

And, the wonderful Nevada desert (it's fall, if you can't tell)

The changes in weather aren't just important to me because I get to finally wear that cute sweater I've been waiting all year to wear, but because of the family memories I have. Raking leaves was always more fun than a chore, and who doesn't love the scent of hot apple cider? Thanksgiving football games in the frost, and Christmas break sledding parties were also childhood highlights. Seasons=memories, and memories=joy. No seasons= some sort of brain-to-body confusion. You know it is fall because of the calendar, but you don't know it's fall...get it?

I've even gotten used to not having snow at Christmas. But at least the leaves have fallen and there is a frost on the ground.

So, with that said, maybe a few of you can begin to understand why I am confused that this woman preferred the throat drying, tan-line inducing, sun blaring, moisture sucking weather of Las Vegas.

However. As I bid adieu to my new friend, I realized she just may be a step ahead of me.

You see, when I was a senior in high school my parents took me to Southern Utah University to check out the school before I decided to attend the following fall. I wrote in my journal after my visit (and I quote), "SUU was nice, but I am not a fan of the desert."
Fast forward two years and I am so sad to leave that beautiful red dirt town. I grew to love that unique geography with all my heart. I would go on runs up the canyon and marvel at the jagged red cliffs. I loved it. Though hesitant at first, I soon was head-over-heels..totally gaga for the southern Utah desert.

As I remembered that, I decided I would make it a goal to look for the beauty wherever I am. If she loves this place that much, maybe she knows something I don't. While I am still not to the point when I can get all lovey-dovey with the desert, I do believe finding the beauty in any situation or surrounding is key to finding joy.

We spend so much of our lives wishing we were someplace else, some time else, and some person else. We wait and wait until we are old enough to not be "little", then old enough to drive, then old enough to go to college...etc. But why not just love every moment? Or at least one little thing about the moment. Maybe you flossed your teeth for once in a month, or you are having a good hair day. Or maybe you noticed a majestic sunset. Figuratively we all have periods that are more 'deserty' than others in our lives. Live is tough. But I believe there are many things to be grateful for, and many things to find beautiful even in the scorched, cracked, cactus-y ground.

Beauty is all around us. Are we seeing it?

What's Up With LDS Missionaries?

You've probably seen them with their white shirts, ties and black name tags. Maybe they were ridding their bikes in your neighborhood, or maybe they knocked on your door. Maybe they even taught someone you know. You may have also seen a movie or play where they are represented. Missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are everywhere, and are growing in force every week. Here are some facts that may help clear misconceptions, and help you understand more about what they do:

• Young missionaries serve full-time for 18 months - 2 years (Sisters serve for 18 months, elders for 2 years)

• Young men can serve at age 18 if they have graduated from high school, and young women at age 19.

(Yes, that's me on the right)

• Retired couples are also called to serve missions. They can serve full or part-time, anywhere from 8 months to 2 years.

• Missionaries are called to serve anywhere in the world. They do not know where they will go when they apply, but are willing to go anywhere. They could serve one state away, or in a country across the world. They could be speaking a native language or learning a new one. A few weeks after they submitted their application, they receive a large, white envelope announcing where they have been called to serve, and what language they will be speaking.

• All missionaries are first trained in one of 15 Missionary Training Centers (MTC) around the world. Their stay can be from 2 weeks to 9 weeks, depending on if they are learning a language. The largest MTC is located in Provo, Utah, but others are located in Mexico, Spain, England, Brazil, and other countries.

• In the MTC they study in class rooms, practice teaching, and learn in devotionals.

• Each mission is a geographic area that is presided by a mission president and his wife. Around 200 elder, sister and couple missionaries work in each mission.

(me with a companion and my Mission President's wife)

• There are approximately 405 missions in the world.

• There are approximately 75,000 missionaries.

• Each missionary serves completely voluntarily. There is no compensation for their service. In fact, missionaries, or their families save their money for years to have this special opportunity.

• Male missionaries are addressed with the title of "elder", and female missionaries with the title of "sister". 

• Missionaries are always with a companion, or other missionary of their same gender. They do not know their companion before hand, and may serve with them anywhere between 6 weeks and several months.

• Missionaries work very hard, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They have one day a week called Preparation Day, where they shop, do laundry, wash the car, and play sports or do another activity. 

• Missionaries are permitted to only phone home twice a year..on Mother's Day and Christmas. This helps them maintain focus on their work, and keeps homesickness at a minimum. They can write letters or e-mails to family and friends each Preparation Day.

• Missionaries rotate the areas they serve in. Some are in an area for a very short time---6 weeks, others for much longer. If the missionary is moving, they typically only have a day or two notice.

(Me and a group of missionaries I served with.)

• Missionary schedules may vary slightly depending on the country, but a typical missionary schedule is:
• 6:30am-wake up
• Exercise for 30 minutes
• Shower/eat/get ready
• 8:00am personal gospel study (from the Bible, Book of Mormon and other teachings)
• 9:00am companion gospel study
• 10:00am leave apartment to preach the gospel
• 9:00pm return and plan for the next day
• 10:30pm retire

(Me..2nd from left..and a group of sister missionaries with someone who was baptized.)

• The primary purpose of a missionary is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. They talk to anyone they meet about how their Savior can provide comfort and healing in their lives. They talk about the importance of family and how God has a plan for us and our families. When an individual or family show interest in the church, they set up regular appointments with the elders or sisters. The missionaries also help them keep commitments to read the scriptures, pray and attend church meetings. All of this helps them to develop faith in Jesus Christ, repent, and prepare to be baptized. (Learn more about what missionaries teach HERE).

I was blessed to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I served in northern California. I absolutely loved my experiences. It was very hard work, but very rewarding. I learned to be more bold, and to serve others more selflessly. I made many wonderful friends, and had many powerful experiences. I feel like I really came to know my Savior Jesus Christ. My mission prepared me in so many ways for marriage and motherhood. My husband also served a mission (southern California), and I feel like we are more disciplined and capable as a couple because of our experiences. 

If you are interested in learning more about the church from the LDS missionaries, click HERE, or comment below.

I've been thinking a lot about missionaries because my little brother left TODAY for his two-year mission in Spain, and my other little brother returns from his mission to Brazil in a few weeks. I am so proud of them and grateful for their willingness to serve!

My Media Fast

Hey folks! I hope you are having a happy Thursday! Thursdays used to be my least favorite day, but then I got a job as a janitor in college. Thursdays became 'Bleach Your Mop Day.' It gave me something to look forward to, and made Thursdays just a little better, complete with the lovely smell of Chlorox. Whether you bleach your mop today or not, I hope it is a great day.

So I have realized lately how much time I spend on my computer and on the TV each day. I wouldn't call myself a couch potato by any means (but I DO have my spud-like days), but I check my email a few times a day, catch up on Facebook, and blogger. I look up images for reference if I am doing an illustration, and I am always looking up the dinner menu on Allrecipes.com.

When my husband gets home, he's tired, I'm tired, we're all tired. So, more often than not, we sit down together and watch a movie. We don't even have cable or satellite, but we easily watch one or two movies a day.

This has really started to bother me. Can't we find other things to do? Have we forgot how do enjoy simple conversation. What about developing talents, cleaning the house, and spending more quality time with our son and each other?

My guess is many of you feel the same way. We are in such an "entertain me" era. We look up silly videos on the internet and share them with our friends. Many cannot sit a few minutes without pulling out their phone to text or play a game. Music is always blaring, and the TV is always jabbering.

I decided I didn't want to let entertainment and electronics control me. I can be interesting and find wonderful things to do that do not involve a Facebook status update. So? I went on a 24 hour computer/TV free fast. I didn't feel quite ready to nix the phone, baby steps, right?

So what happened?

Welll...

1)I noticed the beauty of quiet. I usually jam to tunes as I make dinner or tidy the house. And my son and I love to dance together. I listen to good, uplifting music, but it was so nice to have just plan ol' silence. I had more time and less distractions and was able to think, really think.

2) I rediscovered the joy of reading. Reading rock, guys. I read so many books to my little guy and did all the voices. It was so fun, and I found myself laughing out loud more than once. Doesn't usually happen when we are watching a movie.

3) I was able to think more creatively about my time. I never try to let entertainment govern my time, but sometimes time just slips away as we blog or scroll down the Facebook home page. Without those temptations, I felt like I got so much done! I had a great walk, visited a friend, went to a lesson with the missionaries from my church (for more information, click here), and had a great talk with my husband. Minutes and even seconds add up!

4) I regained my focus. I periodically go through Facebook fasts, and each time I return, I feel like I am more aware of how silly Facebook can be. I don't mean to offend anyone, and believe me, I know it is a wonderful way to keep in touch with family, and friends, and even to promote yourself as a business owner, but it also become a great way to waste time, forget about what matters most, and "compare yourself to the Jones's". I feel silly admitting it, but sometimes, I start to even think in status updates. Something funny happens, and I instantly want to snap a picture and post about it....then check a few minutes later and see what people said...then check a little later and so on. It's a vicious selfish cycle. Especially as a mom, which such a cute little person to take pictures of! Again, I am not saying its all bad, but for me, a break was great. I really want to spend much less time on Facebook. My goal is once or twice a week.

Take a day off! I dare you! Go for a walk! Read a book! Have a deep conversation! Make dinner using a good ol' fashioned recipe book! Do something nice for someone else! Then blog about it :) (or just tell someone!)

We are so blessed to live in a day when technology is progressing quickly. The world is so small via the internet, and it really is a wonderful thing, but taking a break will help you become a better person. Try it!!

P.s. My awesome little brother (bottom right) gets home from his mission to Brazil in two weeks!!

And THIS awesome little brother leaves for his in Spain on MONDAY! I sure love these boys (they are more like men, actually)

Guys! I CUT My Hair!!

I did! No joke!!

Last January I made a drastic decision. I went from this: 

(ish. this is a really old picture, but I don't have many pictures of myself with my long locks)

 To this. I have LOVED having short hair. It is so awesome to be able to do it in 5 seconds, and I really feel so much more energetic and confident since I cut my hair. Sounds weird, but it's true! The MAJOR downside, however, of getting a pixie cut, is that you notice how fast your hair grows, and if you don't keep getting cuts, you end up with a mushroom/mullet/1960's hair. I feel like a Beatle.

Yeah, so sorry about this nasty picture. But its like those weight loss pictures, the uglier the before pic, the better the results seem to be :) This was me this morning. Mushroom and 1960s do all over the place. 

So, I have a story: I tried cutting my bangs myself a few weeks ago, but failed to educate myself with You Tube tutorials, so I just cut straight across. My husband took one look at me and said: "You look like a Klingon [from Star Trek]." Thanks Babe. I actually think he was a little confused. Unless I have some nasty facial scarring no one has told me about, I think he meant I look like Spock (Or I did when I first Star Trekified my hair).  

 I am so tired to getting my hair cut every 7 weeks (or needing to get it cut that often...I obviously don't get it cut that much)...plus, cuts can be expensive! So, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I can't decide if I want to grow my hair out or not. I love the pixie, but I find myself missing my long locks a lot. So, until I decide, I'll just keep my hair a little on the longer side. 

So ANYWAY. After watching a few tutorials, I cut my own hair! It was so liberating, and I only cut my knuckle once! I first thinned my hair my twisting locks then running a razor up the twist. This thinned the hair, but kept most of the length. I did that all over, then used the tips of the scissors to thin my hair a little more and add some shape. I am SUPER happy with the results! Now that I made my head a canvas, I might not be able to leave my hair alone, ha ha. Who knew it was possible to do this kind of thing yourself?!

Sorry about the bad lighting. it really has a lot more texture than you can see in this picture.

I Love General Conference!

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I believe in living prophets and apostles, men who have been called of God, just as ancient prophets (Moses, Abraham, Noah..) to give us guidance and direction. To find out more about modern prophets, click HERE.

Every 6 months, each October and April, we have the wonderful opportunity of hearing the prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, his councilors, the twelve apostles and other leaders in a general conference. Of course these leaders speak to us many times through out the year, but General Conference is when they address the entire world. It really is a special time, and I look forward to it so much.

For me, it is like a holiday. Conference lasts Saturday (10/5) from 10:00-12:00 MDT then 2:00-4:00. Sunday (10/6) it is at the same times. There are many ways to watch and listen, but we just stream it live from the internet and get cozy at home. I made yummy homemade biscuits and gravy and we enjoyed a delicious brunch while listening to inspired words.

(To learn how to make this amazing meal, click on my food tab!)

It was so fun spending time with my family and listening to prophets speak. Always, they say exactly what I need to hear. I know that we do have the same organization on the earth that existed anciently! If you have any questions, I would love to answer them, or you can chat with missionaries online HERE.

The Sunday sessions of this wonderful conference begin tomorrow! Check it out at:

lds.org 10:00am or 2:00pm MDT

I LOVE

I love eating a bowl of cereal before bed (which is really two bowls since I hate drinking the sugary left over milk...so I just keep pouring in cereal until it's gone).

I love taking naps.

I  love cooking something and getting a compliment.

I love running in cold weather, the kind that freezes your lungs a little when you breathe in.

I love running hard and fast for a long time. 

I love feeling sore after a tough workout.

I love setting and reaching goals.

I love sunshine. I get so antzy wasting precious sunlight indoors.

I love talking to people and making new friends.

I love helping people and making them smile.

I love my husband. He is the most loving and selfless person I know.

I love looking at my baby and thinking, "He is mine"

I love journaling (much more than blogging!).

I love cheesy foods. The cheesier the better.

I love working hard outside..getting sweaty and dirty and feeling productive.

I love Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

I love my Mom's cooking and the fact that she always has dinner ready when we visit.

I love my parents. I love that they are always inviting people they just met over for dinner.

I love my siblings. They inspire me and make me laugh.

I love praying. I feel heaven so close and my troubles fade far away.

I love studying the scriptures. It feels like a treasure hunt. I love learning something new that changes my life.

I love my friends. I have so many wonderful people in my life I admire so much and love so dearly.

I love semi-sweet chocolate chips.

I love a spoonful of creamy peanut butter coated with semi-sweet chocolate chips. 

I love doing pushups.

I love making art. Especially creating a character that never existed before. 

I love making people laugh.

I love being goofy.

I love the sound of leaves crunching under your feet as you walk.

I love peaches and cream.

I love the mountains and thick, green forests.

I love thinking and dreaming about my future.

I love Oreo shakes from Jack in the Box (seriously. So good.)

I love greek yogurt (Greek Goddess honey flavor!)

I love going to church. I love the people there and the feeling in my heart as I go. 

I love decorating my home.

I love cleaning (weird, I know).

I love sunflowers.

I love laughing with Quinton.

I love laughing with anyone.

I love making Max laugh.

I love finding creative solutions.

I love Cafe Rio, In 'n' Out, and Olive Garden.

I love classic Disney animated movies.

I love ice cream!

I love wearing t-shirts and basketball shorts (sweats in the winter).

I love running in compression shorts.

I love my Chacos.

I love anything with cream cheese frosting.

I love trying new things.

I love sushi.

I love watching Studio C (SUPER funny sketch comedy. Check it out here. Let me know what you think!)

I love going barefoot (unless I am wearing my Chacos).

I love country music.

I love Josh Groban's music.

I love watching happy movies while eating.

I love eating.

I love hot showers after a long day.

I love wake boarding   and snowboarding (sadly it has been years since I have done either, but I dream about both!)

I love getting care packages.

I love my in-laws.

I love inspirational sports movies.

I love clean, uplifting language.

I love singing.

I love my life!

Do You REALLY Think You Can?

One thing I believe with all my heart is that there is a power to our thoughts, and we are literally the product of what we think about all day, all month, all year, for our entire lives.

I also believe that as 21st century homo sapiens, we rarely tap into the full reservoir of our potential. This belief is kin to my knowledge of a higher power, and that we can receive divine assistance to help us reach worthy goals, overcome hardships, and to change who we are (imperfect) into who we can become (perfect).

So, if we are a) the product of our thoughts, and b) if we have great potential, and can literally do anything we dream, then what is limiting us from thinking our way to the stars?

Everyday we have thoughts. Some are good, some are bad. Some we think more cognitively than others. Some uplift us and help us become better people. Some stunt our progress and lead us away from our worthy goals. Some thoughts also help or hurt those around us.

Many people, especially young people, have great ambitions. Call it a "Bucket-List" if you will. We all dream about accomplishing great things, traveling to exotic places and living exemplary lives. While I believe positive thinking can lead to the accomplishment of these goals, that is not what I want to focus on. I want to highlight the everyday, sometimes monotonous, Monday-through-Sunday kind of living. What are our daily thoughts? Are they leading us closer to who we want to become? Are we happy with who we are? If not, who would we like to become? These are crucial questions that can help guide our daily thoughts.

The quality of your life now and in the future is a also a sum of your thoughts. Everyday you are either moving closer to life or death. Let me explain: If you choose poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and drug use, studies have indicated your life will be shortened, and your quality of life will diminish. The opposite is obvious: if you exercise, live an active life, eat healthy and abstain from harmful substances, your lifespan and quality of life will improve. But what about less tangible things? Can you spiritually live or die? I believe you can. I believe just as we can choose to eat better we can also make choices that will improve the spiritual quality of our lives and eventually lead to greater power and potential. Everyday you are thinking your way to greater peace and happiness or greater misery. Why? Because if you think about something enough, you will act. Action leads to becoming. So the person you are is the summation of what you have thought about for your entire life. Crazy, isn't it? Intimidating? For sure. Thankfully, change is possible. We can take control of our thoughts and our lives. I believe this power is fully available through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of His sacrifice for all mankind, we have the power to change.  As we exercise faith in Him, we develop a desire to repent. Repentance is change! Whether you recognize it as that or not, or whether you believe in Jesus Christ or not, we all want to become better than we are. And that is possible.

Here is a little formula I made that can help us use our thoughts to help us progress.

I call it R.O.C.C.A

Recognize the pattern of your thoughts. What do you think about? What actions to do you take as a result?
Take Ownership. Don't fall into "victim thinking" where you blame others or circumstances for your situation.
Choose to Change. 
Alter the course of our life. Become who you want to become.

Success is a relative term, but to me, it means living your potential the very best you can. It means having good thoughts and thinking enough of them that you eventually have good actions--actions that lead you to your worthwhile goals, that lead you closer to who you want to become. Success is personal change. I know personal change is possible, and it is done one tiny thought at a time.

Great things can happen if we think we can!

I believe in you!

I feel like including pictures makes my rambling posts 25% more interesting. So here is my handsome little guy making his favorite kissy face!

Cussing Isn't Cool

Last night as I lay on my bed trying to fall asleep so I could go running at 5:00am, I heard a conversation from the couple who just moved in downstairs . We haven't had a downstairs neighbor for two months, so I didn't realize how thin the walls are until last night.

The conversation started at a normal decibel, but the quickly became a heated argument. Every other word was the F word, and sentences ridden with that word would just be interrupted by another hate-word infested sentence.

Eventually I had to turn on a fan in order to drown out the flurry of F bombs and angry dialogue.

I am not judging this couple...I have no idea what they were arguing about, but I can't help but be disturbed at the language of those around me. In fact,  in my apartment complex it isn't uncommon for me to hear the F word thrown out of a mouth of a toddler or child. I am totally disturbed.

Is it really just a word? Swearing is dripping with anger and crud connotations. It screams disrespect and disregard for those around you. What happened to respect? What happened to decency?

When I hear any curse word, (and there are some words I define as curse words that many do not) I get a shiver up my spine and a sick feeling. What happened to language creativity and sentence structure? There are a billion other ways to state your anger, or frustration, or excitement, or surprise without using such a derogatory and loaded word.

What are we teaching our children? I believe children only speak what they hear around them--whether that is what is spoken in their own home, or what they hear through the media.

We are going from a society of eloquence and education to a culture of a few four letter words.

Call me old school, sheltered or prude, but I miss kindness and courtesy. I miss larger vocabularies.

The mouth is an interesting thing. From beautiful lips and clean white teeth can come the greatest praise, blessings, compliments, and declarations of love for those around them. Or, this same mouth can utter ugly, dark, crude, derogatory, hateful words. You can make or break a person by just your language.

Can't we just make an effort to speak a little kinder? A little more loving? Express our anger in a more calm and creative way? Can't we take a stand against this language in the media? How can we be surprised when our children let a certain word slip if that word and other similar language is streamed into our homes via the television and Internet?

We can make a difference. Lets do it for ourselves and lets do it for our children. Do it for the lonely, elderly woman next door. Do it for your community and for the world. Lets speak with a little more love.

We can do it.

26.2, Someday I Will Own You

It is crazy that I want  to run a marathon? In fact, ever since middle school, and probably before, running those 26.2 bad boys has been my goal. For some reason, a seems to be marathon the pinnacle of runningdom, and for years I have wanted to conquer it. I would day dream of qualifying for Boston and running marathons in all 50 states, setting personal (and race) records, and mingling with a close knit community of fleet feets.

Three times so far I have searched and searched for the perfect marathon. Three times I have found a training plan and started training, but each time I never made it to that blessed starting line. The first time I was training with my husband when we were engaged. I was amazed that he actually wanted to race 26.2 with me. But, I learned after our wedding he only wanted to spend more time with me, away from my roommates, so he'd join me on the road. After two weeks off from running with all the wedding and honeymoon hoopla, we never continued the rest of our training.

The second time I trained avidly alone until I found out I was pregnant. Then I still pounded the pavement until 25 weeks, and then continued until delivery on the elliptical.

And this year I was determined to check a marathon off my bucket-list. In fact, it was a New Year's resolution I was sure I would achieve. Surely this time I could make it happen! Third time's the charm, right? Well, things are a little complicated. We moved to a new city and could be moving again in just a few short months. It is impossible to plan on running a marathon at a certain location if you have no idea where you'll be. Also, the only time I can run is at 5:00am, before the husband leaves for work, and my son wakes up. Right now, it's just not possible to pound out as many miles as I would like during the wee hours of the morning. It's complicated.


So, what is a marathon hopeful to do? I will be honest, I get a little green with envy when I see someones Facebook status proudly announce they just ran their first 26.2. People who don't even want to run do marathons. People who don't even like running. People do it on a whim. I love, LOVE running, and would do a marathon in a second if I could. I feel like a Juliet being denied her Romio.

But, have the past three years been a waste? Not at all. I got married. I had a baby (a Mommy Marathon has to count for something!), and I am trying to make decisions that are best for my little family right now. Someday I'll conquer that 26.2 mile mountain. In fact, call me crazy, but lately I have been really considering doing an Ultra-marathon someday (anything over 26.2..but I'd favor a 100 miler). Right now I'll just keep chugging along on this Ultra-Ultra-marathon of motherhood and wife-hood and life.

Someday you'll see me in Boston.
But for now I'll keep running every chance I can, and putting my energy where it's needed most.
I am running a 5k on Thanksgiving. My goal is to break 19 minutes.

Maybe I didn't run my 26.2, but I did run a half this year, and I broke my high school 5k PR by a minute and 2 seconds. Not a bad year at all. And it's not even over.

Having Children is the Best Bucket-List

Having children is a blessing. 

Central to my Christian beliefs is my understanding that we are all children of God. 

Every person, regardless of their beliefs, behavior, appearance, desires and lifestyle is a special individual. 

One of the greatest gifts we have been given is the ability to procreate, or to come together with someone we love and have children. I believe this is a divine gift that God intended to be employed between husbands and wives. 

In Genesis 1:28 God is presenting the garden of Eden to Adam and Eve.

"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply and replenish the earth..." (KJV)

I believe this is a powerful commandment that is still in effect today. 

It takes faith to have children and to make that a priority, that is for sure.

It is not easy. 

It is not popular. It is easy to see how world travel, education, employment, and other worthy goals would get in the way. 

I am not discounting these ambitions. I am a dreamer and a goal oriented person. I believe in getting as much education as you can, in bucket-lists and working hard to better yourself.

But. I know 1) We can be a parent and still reach many wonderful, ambitious goals. Becoming a parent shouldn't be looked at as an alternative to your hopes and dreams, but as a an avenue to reach your greatest hope and dreams. And, 2) that deciding to have children will open an entire world you didn't know existed. Get ready to feel more compassion than you ever thought possible. Get ready to have more joy. Get ready to become more self-less. 

Having children is a lot of work, but I promise it is worth it. 

Having children is also expensive. On paper, it doesn't make sense. Maybe you are barely making ends meet with just the two of you...so why would you bring another mouth to feed into the world? There are so many people already, and so many who are having children. Do I really need to have a family of my own? 

I believe it is a matter of faith. I know the Lord will provide, and you will have enough. There is no such thing as too many children in the world.

Deciding when to have children and how many to have is a decision that is between husband and wife, and the Lord.

For those sweet couples who haven't been able to have children, or for those wonderful women who haven't found the right person to marry, God bless you for your righteous desires.  I believe you will have so many blessings in this life because you want to have children..whether or not you are able to. I also believe that in the next life, you will have that opportunity. 

The Lord has a plan. 

And the family is central to that plan.

I am so grateful that I am a mother. I have grown in so many ways, more than I could have ever dreamed. My marriage is stronger, and, I have been blessed to reach many other goals as well (finish my education, improve in running, work as a freelance illustrator..)

I love my life, and wouldn't change a thing.

Check out a wonderful video about this topic HERE

Be of Good Cheer

I think everyone can agree that it isn't always easy living in this world. Just turn on the news. Everyday it seems like there is a new story about a horrific murder, an organized crime, or some crazy publicity stunt. Scroll down your Facebook homepage, and you find political confusion, pessimism and anger.

Natural disasters seem to be occurring more frequently and with more force. Teen celebrities are throwing aside values, and gone are the days when the media could provide positive role models for our children. Gang violence, hate crimes, drugs, alcoholism, promiscuity, and the corrosive addition of pornography are everywhere.

Today, in fact, marks the 12 year anniversary of the terror attacks on the World Trade Centers, the Pentagon and United Airlines flight 93. We remember those tragic events, and continue to pray for those who were directly affected.

It may seem like the earth is filling with a heavy darkness, that is only growing thicker, and is spreading like a wildfire on a dry prairie.

But, I believe we have so much going for us.
This is a wonderful, and exciting time to be alive.
In fact, this can be the BEST time of our lives.
We can be hopeful, and happy.
We can find light and truth.

We have so much going for us.
The best is yet to come.
I really believe that.

Numerous times in the scriptures we are counseled to "Be of good cheer". Typically this council is given in the middle of great opposition. One of my favorite parts of the New Testament is in Matthew 14, where the Savior's disciples see a figure walking on the water. They reacted like anyone would and were afraid (how many times have you been sitting in your boat only to see someone strolling towards you on top of the water!).

Jesus responded, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." (KJV Matt 14:27)

Peter, recognizing it was indeed his Master, asked if he could come and meet him on the water. Looking at Christ, he placed his feet on the surface, and began to walk.

"But when he saw the winds boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched for his hand, and caught him, and said until him, O thou of little faith, where fore didst thou doubt?" (KJV Matt 14:30-31)

No matter what storms or boisterous winds surround us, we can be of good cheer. We can find hope. We can find peace and lasting joy.

The key faith. Specifically, faith in Jesus Christ. I know Jesus was not just a historical figure. He was and is the Savior of the world. He lived and was crucified and then miraculously rose again three days later. He suffered, bled and died for us. I know him and love him. As we pray, earnestly study the word of God, and live the commandments, we can come to know Him. He can become our source of strength. And when, like Peter, we feel overwhelmed and afraid as the wind whips around and the waves crash, He will guide us and comfort us.

What a blessing to know we do not have to walk through the storms of life alone!

WORKOUT TIME FOR MOMMAS (and anyone and everyone else!!)

Max and I had a great time making these videos, so I hope you enjoy them. Okay, they are super cheesy, and the video quality isn't the best (my camera is dead, so I had to use my computer)...but maybe they will at least provide you with your daily laugh.

Here are the circuits I demo:

Circuit 1:
 Ply pushups
Chair dips
Mountain climbers
Leg lifts
Leg kicks
Goose steps
High knees
Down dog
Up dog


Circuit 2:
Pushups
Leg swings
Plyo lunges
Plyo squats
2 variations of abdominal exercises
Quick feet
Down dog
Up dog

And like I mention on the video, you can do each how ever long you want. I usually do 15 reps of each, and then repeat the circuits for 30 minutes. It may not seem like much, but you will be sweating!

And, for you parents out there, here is a lovely video of ways to work out with your little one!

Intro

Circuit 1

Circuit 2

Workout With Baby

Happy Exercising!! :)

Treat Others the Way YOU Would Like to be Treated

A month ago my little family and I moved to a new and VERY different city. I am a country girl through and through-- growing up, I lived on 7 or more acres, and we usually couldn't see our closest neighbors. My husband and I grew up in a small town (population around 12,000), and then went to college in another small, potato farming town. So, as you can imagine, the move was quite the adjustment.

Not only were we suddenly thrust into a busy metropolitan area with 7-11s on every corner (seriously), but we moved into the complete opposite climate. We are both from Oregon and LOVE drizzly, cloudy days, forests full of pine trees, mountains covered in greenery, waterfalls, and SEASONS. We moved into the dry, hot, HOT Nevada. Suffice it to say, we were feeling a little out of our element, but we were (and are!) excited to have an adventure.

On our first Sunday at church we sat down near the front of the chapel. Of course, we didn't know anyone, but I was anxious to make friends. I leaned towards the pew in front of us and blurted something awkward like, "Hi, what's your name?" The woman in front answered and we began a conversation. We were touched when she even invited us to dinner later that week!

When we went to eat in her home we learned she had only been coming back to church for 3 weeks after a very long time of not attending. She said she felt very uncomfortable, but was trying to be more social, so she invited us over. Last weekend we invited her to our home for games. We had a great time! She mentioned that we were the first couple to ever invite her to their home.

That really touched me. Here is this woman who, like us, feels new and is trying to make friends and connections. Yet, she didn't hesitate to reach out to us. When she showed us kindness, we were happy to reciprocate, which ended up being a blessing in her life!

We have also tried hard to get to know others as well. I even made cinnamon rolls for our neighbors.

AND, we've been blessed by many others who have made an incredible effort to serve us and make us feel welcome and loved (babysitting, inviting us to do things...)

Moral of the story? It doesn't matter if you are feeling like a 'newbie", reaching out to others will greatly bless your life, and take the focus away from your problems. It is so easy to think "I just moved here, I sure wish someone would invite me over for dinner, or sit by me, or talk to me.. Or that my neighbors would come meet us, and bring cookies..." But this is real life! We can't just sit on our tuffits eating our curds and whey!

Challenge: Make a new friend this week! Meet a neighbor that just moved in (and bring cookies!) My mom is a wonderful example. She said when she feels awkward at a party or event, she pushes it aside and looks for someone who might be feeling the same way. If everyone sincerely tried this every day, the world would be a happier place!

(How can I end a post without including a picture of this cutie!)

Random

Does anyone else ever wonder what to blog about? Okay, so I am probably the 3,468th most boring blogger in the world...if you could even call my very random and rare explosions of word vomit a blog...but I still feel the need to write SOMETHING that will inspire or entertain, or humor some living, breathing being. In fact, I don't know if you could even call me a blogger. Its like someone who ran around the block saying they are a marathoner. Or a Ramen Noodler calling themselves a chef (I'm a little offended by that one). But thanks for reading anyway! Thanks for putting up with my sporadic and very inconsistent and grammatically incorrect and run-on sentence posts! Three cheers for my loyal readers (thanks mom): Whoo Hoo! Yippee! Kowabunga!!

So with that...

You know what I have been thinking about?
How much I would love to live in a home that looks like this:

That is right. It just occurred to me that my dream home is a replica of 17th century sea vessel! My husband and I watched Treasure Island recently and I was taken back to my childhood and the many daydreams I would have of being a stowaway on a pirate ship in search of buried treasure. In reality, I get miserably seasick (if you are curious, ask my husband to relate our boating experience on our honeymoon. Let me just say it was awful), so this house would, obviously, built in land. 

That's really all I had to say. I think it would be so fun to have a pirate ship house. Complete with a Crow's nest of course!

More excitement:

-Today my son ATE a huge hole in a cardboard cereal box while we were shopping. I actually didn't want to buy that box, but because he clearly marked his territory, I now have to eat Raisin Bran.

- What is Bruce Lee's favorite drink? WAAAAAAAATAAAAA!

-95% of statistics are false

-I never heard of FB until my junior year of high school (2005), and I thought it was lame. (I still do in some regards. There are A LOT of things I hate about FB. That is a post for another day). I never heard of texting until I started COLLEGE (okay, that really just means I am from a tinsy town and old fashion family), and I never had a cell phone until my SECOND SEMESTER of college. Hows that for a piece of humble pie? Oh and I had to walk my no-cell phone, never-heard-of-texting, might-as-well-be-Amish self uphill both ways in the snow. Actually that is true. My how times have changed. I am the music leader for the Primary children at my church and a few of them have ipods. In fact, we let my 13 month old son play with my husband's old Android. He will never see this:

And think "that is a phone"(at least for now)--because all he sees is us talk on things that look like this:

Big difference! Crazy how old I feel. 

Well, there is a deep concept to keep you entertained until I decide to post again. Until next time...