2012 Christmas Memories
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| snow + sisters |
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| facetime with Boston |
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| our new tree |
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| sheldon shirt |
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| Messiah singing |
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| white christmas |
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Happy Holiday Moments
I'm finally taking a moment to breathe a little bit, now that Christmas is over. As usual, our holidays have been very busy, but also very happy. We are so blessed.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Moments of Singing
I love to sing.
Throughout my life, singing has allowed me to do so many things: to travel, to meet amazing friends, to express myself, to learn. Singing is also one of the biggest ways that I feel close to my Heavenly Father as I feel his Spirit and his love.
Maybe that's one reason why I love singing at Christmastime so much. In the years when my parents were separated and eventually divorced, Christmas was one of the hardest times of the year for me. It was filled with so much negative emotion, competition, contention, and sad memories. For many years I dreaded the season, and had a difficult time enjoying it at all. Then one year in college, two things helped me to find a new perspective on Christmas, and one of those things was singing.
I feel the Spirit of Christmas so strongly when I am singing music that carries the message of the hope, light, and love that comes from our Savior, Jesus Christ. I have been able to find my own peace and joy at Christmas because of His example, and love. While singing at the University of Utah, I experienced that spirit so many times through the songs that we sang during the holiday season. Although there were many songs that strengthened my testimony of the true meaning of Christmas, I want to share one in particular that continues to stay with me:
It is so fun to share my love of music and singing with Tyler. We have found a lot of joy in singing together. We were really excited to hear that our new stake does an annual performance of the Messiah. It's been a couple of years since I've been in any kind of choir, and I have loved having something to sing for this Christmas. We are really looking forward to our performance this Sunday.
Throughout my life, singing has allowed me to do so many things: to travel, to meet amazing friends, to express myself, to learn. Singing is also one of the biggest ways that I feel close to my Heavenly Father as I feel his Spirit and his love.
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| Singing in a beautiful cathedral in Southern France - one of my favorite memories. |
Maybe that's one reason why I love singing at Christmastime so much. In the years when my parents were separated and eventually divorced, Christmas was one of the hardest times of the year for me. It was filled with so much negative emotion, competition, contention, and sad memories. For many years I dreaded the season, and had a difficult time enjoying it at all. Then one year in college, two things helped me to find a new perspective on Christmas, and one of those things was singing.
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| Love singing with my sisters. |
Carol of Joy
Text by Eileen Berry
Green leaves all fallen, withered and dry;
Brief sunset fading, dim winter sky;
Lengthening shadows, dark closing in;
Then through the stillness, carols begin.
O fall world, to you is the song!
Death holds you fast, and night tarries long.
Jesus is born, your curse to destroy;
Sweet to your ears, a carol of joy!
Pale moon ascending, solemn and slow;
Cold barren hillside shrouded in snow.
Deep empty valley, veiled by the night:
Hear angel music, hopeful and bright.
O fearful world, to you is the song!
Peace with your God, and pardon for wrong.
Tidings for sinners, burdened and bound,
Carol of joy, a Savior is found!
Earth wrapped in sorrow, lift up your eyes!
Thrill to the chorus filling the skies.
Look up, sad hearted! Witness God's love;
Join in the carol swelling above!
O friendless world, to you is the song!
All heaven's joy to you may belong!
You who are lonely, laden, forlorn,
Now unto you a Savior is born!
It is so fun to share my love of music and singing with Tyler. We have found a lot of joy in singing together. We were really excited to hear that our new stake does an annual performance of the Messiah. It's been a couple of years since I've been in any kind of choir, and I have loved having something to sing for this Christmas. We are really looking forward to our performance this Sunday.
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| Singing at the Tabernacle together in 2010. Fun times. |
Here's to wishing all of you love, joy, peace- and music- this Christmas!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Blessed Moments
We had a busy, but wonderful Thanksgiving weekend this year.
There were moments of traditions, exercise, movies, games, chatting, and of course,
lots of delicious food.
We also admit to doing some things to get ready for the upcoming holiday...
It was also a great opportunity for reflecting on the many blessings that I have in my life.
Among other things, I was thankful for a long 5-day weekend (yay, teacher perks!), our opportunities for work and education, our bigger apartment that gave us the excuse to get a full-sized Christmas tree, our fun and supportive families, technology that allows us to keep in touch with family that lives far away, and of course-
my incredible husband.
He is absolutely the biggest blessing that I have in my life right now.
Even though Thanksgiving is over, I'm determined to remember to keep that thankful spirit in my heart. There is always something to be grateful for!
There were moments of traditions, exercise, movies, games, chatting, and of course,
lots of delicious food.
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| this is becoming a tradition on my dad's side... participating in The Human Race |
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| the pie spread at Grandma's house |
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| enjoying the nice weather...is it really December next week? |
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| my family's traditional gingerbread house night |
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| getting our first, big Christmas tree! |
Among other things, I was thankful for a long 5-day weekend (yay, teacher perks!), our opportunities for work and education, our bigger apartment that gave us the excuse to get a full-sized Christmas tree, our fun and supportive families, technology that allows us to keep in touch with family that lives far away, and of course-
my incredible husband.
He is absolutely the biggest blessing that I have in my life right now.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Moments of Remembering
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and I cannot believe that the holiday season is here already.
These past few months have just flown by for us, and I'm starting to believe people when they tell me that time seems to go by faster the older you get.
There have been several different times in my life when I have felt the need to find a focus- something to keep me along the path of personal, spiritual growth and progress. During the past couple of months there is a message or an idea that has come to my mind in times of both happiness and difficulty. Since I have been thinking about it so often, I have decided to make it my new focus, and I think it fits in perfectly with this time of year.
The message is simple:
I attended a presentation given by this speaker, to an audience of women in my church. Among the many uplifting things that he shared, he encouraged us to spend less time worrying about the million things we think we are supposed to do to be good mothers, daughters, members, women, etc.-- and to instead focus on what the Lord really asks us to do: to always remember Him.
When we remember Him, it can change the way we feel and the things that we do. It can change the way we treat people or how we respond to situations. It reminds us of who we really are as His children, and allows us to see other people the same way. Doing so invites the Spirit into our hearts and lives.
This time of year can be fun and exciting, and yet busy and stressful all at the same time.
I want to make sure that I find ways to remember what is most important.
To remember that all of my blessings come from a kind, loving Heavenly Father.
To remember that He loves me, and that I have infinite worth as His daughter.
To remember to put my faith, trust, and hope in his timing and purposes.
To remember to love others as He does.
I want to make this a season of remembering.
These past few months have just flown by for us, and I'm starting to believe people when they tell me that time seems to go by faster the older you get.
There have been several different times in my life when I have felt the need to find a focus- something to keep me along the path of personal, spiritual growth and progress. During the past couple of months there is a message or an idea that has come to my mind in times of both happiness and difficulty. Since I have been thinking about it so often, I have decided to make it my new focus, and I think it fits in perfectly with this time of year.
The message is simple:
I attended a presentation given by this speaker, to an audience of women in my church. Among the many uplifting things that he shared, he encouraged us to spend less time worrying about the million things we think we are supposed to do to be good mothers, daughters, members, women, etc.-- and to instead focus on what the Lord really asks us to do: to always remember Him.
When we remember Him, it can change the way we feel and the things that we do. It can change the way we treat people or how we respond to situations. It reminds us of who we really are as His children, and allows us to see other people the same way. Doing so invites the Spirit into our hearts and lives.
This time of year can be fun and exciting, and yet busy and stressful all at the same time.
I want to make sure that I find ways to remember what is most important.
To remember that all of my blessings come from a kind, loving Heavenly Father.
To remember that He loves me, and that I have infinite worth as His daughter.
To remember to put my faith, trust, and hope in his timing and purposes.
To remember to love others as He does.
I want to make this a season of remembering.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Snowy Saturday Moments
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Halloween Moments
I have never really been into dressing up for Halloween as an adult, unless I have a reason to do it. This year, Tyler and I both had our reasons...
As an elementary school teacher, dressing up is all part of the job. So at work this year, I was part of the "Ghoul School Faculty," led by our Vamprincipal.
Tyler, on the other hand, has been letting his hair grow wild for weeks, facial hair included. This gave him the perfect reason to go to work dressed up as a man who paints happy, little clouds...
If you haven't already seen this video, you should.
As an elementary school teacher, dressing up is all part of the job. So at work this year, I was part of the "Ghoul School Faculty," led by our Vamprincipal.
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| me with my Kinder team + Principal |
Tyler, on the other hand, has been letting his hair grow wild for weeks, facial hair included. This gave him the perfect reason to go to work dressed up as a man who paints happy, little clouds...
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| Bob Ross! |
If you haven't already seen this video, you should.
Happy Halloween!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Photo A Day October Moments: Week 4
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
10.26
10.27
steps
an animal
inspiring
10.25
a good read
personality
a bench
Sunday, October 21, 2012
8 Moments
8 years ago I lived with my amazing aunt and uncle and their family in Idaho. While I was there, they had a sweet baby girl and I loved watching her grow and develop. I will always remember the times I spent there with that family, and I can't believe it has been 8 years since I met this beautiful girl!
This past weekend she was baptized, and it was so great to go and be a part of her special day.
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| then and now |
Tyler and I have been able to go visit this family a few times since we've been married, and we always have so much fun with them. This last trip was no exception!
We were able to go to the Boise Temple open house. It was so beautiful!
We went to cheer on my cousin at her soccer game. She even scored some goals!
And of course we played games and just had fun hanging out with all of the family that also came.
The baptism itself was so sweet. My cousin asked me to give one of the talks, and I could not get through it without crying! I just love her and her family so much.
We left really early this morning to get back for commitments in our own church meetings. It was so dark when we started driving, and we were both really tired from staying up late all weekend. But within a couple of hours, the sky slowly started to change as the sun began to rise. At one point, we were literally driving into the sunrise, and it was so beautiful.
As I watched the darkness turn to light in the sky, I began to reflect on the feelings of peace, gratitude, and love that have been abundant in my life this week. Doing so filled me with a renewed sense of faith and hope for the future.
"Hope...is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn. It encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of an eternal Heavenly Father."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Photo A Day October Moments: Week 3
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
10.21
something lucky
whimsical
10.17
architecture
five
10.19
nostalgia
sunset
trendy
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