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