Food + Family = Christmas

Christmas was wonderful at the Williams' household. I do have to say this, I do not want to eat another piece of food. Yeah right, tomorrow I'll be hungry. Seriously though, you get with my family and it involves food. Lots and lots of food. Christmas Eve was spent eating a wonderful meal with a very tasty dessert, surrounded by great company, watching old home videos, and playing games. Can't ask for a better Christmas.

Watching those old family videos...Gads!

Playing with the kiddies...Trace and Peyton, so cute, so cute, so cute!

Aunt Rose and Uncle Michael

My Girls! Summer and Jessie, all festive!

Eating our wonderful Christmas Eve meal! Save room for dessert!

My Chocolate Pie that is DIVINE (a Pioneer Women dessert)!!! Oh my gosh - it's heaven!

My Mom's dessert that she made, and is now a new hit - apple carmel cake from the one and only Paula Deen. Another piece of heaven I tell ya!

After Christmas Eve festivities it was off to bed to wait for Santa to arrive. Spoiler Alert! Apparently my mom has been playing Santa all these years... As I was finishing up cleaning and going to say goodnight I saw my mom filling our stockings full of randomness and goodies. I couldn't believe it! I said, "Mom, what are you doing!" Her response, "Libby, go to bed! I couldn't wait any longer, I'm tired and so you caught me." So it was, the story of Santa Clause is just a story. At least I didn't get her typical response, "Libby, you kids (meaning my siblings) are getting to old for Christmas gifts and should have your own families that you should be playing Santa Clause for them." Thanks mom for not saying that - I know.

Anyhow, Christmas day came with, you guessed it, more food! After a nice nights rest we woke to a tree full of gifts. Santa (Mom and Dad) sure did provide. I got my Magic Bullet finally!!! I also got the Pioneer Women cookbook, which is AWESOME! Kitchen stuff as usually, a Brita water filter - which has made my testimony grow - it's a beautiful thing, and a Cannon copier/printer/scanner. Didn't see that coming - thanks Santa!!! I guess I must have been a somewhat good girl this year? What can I say, I try! ;)

Christmas was wonderful, most importantly it was surrounded by family, and that, I will have to say, is probably my favorite Christmas gift I received. Now it's time for the New Year, spending more time with family, and of course more good food to come!

Finally! I saw New Moon - it's about time, I know!

I got a group of friends together, some old, some new, and went to finally see New Moon at the Zion's IMAX in Springdale. Totally worth the drive out there. However, I was kind of bored with the movie, not sure it if was because I had to use the bathroom through basically the whole movie, dang collectors cup I had to buy??? I will have to say I am neither a Jacob or Edward fan, I am a Mike Newton fan. He is just adorable, and funny, I laughed through his whole scene! I did get really excited when Jacob finally took off his shirt, and I got really sick when Edward took off his shirt - I mean really, they couldn't make him buff up, shave his chest, and do something about his odd looking nipple? Hmmm... With all that said, I will probably go see it again before it leaves the theater either in the $2.00 movies, or a matinee. Also, for the record I still am an Edward fan, but he just needs to keep his shirt on. Nobody wants to see that deformed titty!

Me, Malynda, Celeste, Lisa, Alicia, Kelli, Jessie, and Erika. All Excited to see New Moon for the first time...except for the three girls that have already seen it (Malynda, Kelli, and Jessie). Which reminds me, Jessie - you need to be considerate to those of us who hadn't seen the movie...you know what I'm talking about.

My friends, Lisa, and Alicia. Lisa and Alicia went to hair school long ago - and Lisa and I just became friends...small world!

Kelli, Jessie, and Erika.

Chugging my rootbeer...dang stuff, made my movie experience unpleasant. That cup is a keeper though, it's plastic and all!!!

The empty IMAX theater, we basically had it all to ourselves. SWEET YO!

My New Favorite Christmas Song

Sing it Faith! I Love this song, it's so beautiful.

Ask, and Ye Shall Receive!

(This doesn't look like a lot of fabric, but I have yards and yards! Picture doesn't do it justice.)

I just finished another semester of school. Yeah for me! Along with finishing another semester I finished my last sewing class. On the last day of class I was finishing up my final project, a Lined Jacket - very pleased with myself, and the outcome of it. (Watch for postings on that beauty.) However, as we are constantly chatting it up in class I was complaining to my fellow classmates about how I don't have any Sunday attire for church. Well, with my complaining my Professor said, "Here you go!" And handed me a pile of fabric straight out of an era I was never around for. I was consumed with joy! I just was given some of the most cutest fabric EVER! Since I am now officially done with work for three weeks and my dear friend Holly lent me her trusty sewing machine for the last two months I am going to get busy and make those church clothes (skirts) that I apparently don't have enough of....

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

Yes I know Christmas has been here since way back in November, but I'm just now getting into it. FINALLY - it's bout time! So, I put my tree up, still haven't found a topper, and still not sure if I even like my tree? I gave my old "garage sale find" to my sister so her and her roomies could have a tree. I decided to upgrade to something different this year. Hence the blue, purple, and silver. It's for my Jewish ancestors - if I have any? Although I have to say this, I think I like the traditional red, green, and gold. Someday when I'm rich (whenever that will be???) I will have several trees sprung around my house. A Jewish one, a traditional one, and probably one just like my mom used to have. Ohhh, a tear just thinking of childhood Christmas memories.

Moving on... Along with putting up a Christmas tree came the building of Frosty - whom is hanging out in the backyard. I would've invited him in, but not sure if he would last long. I want to state for the record I have never been much for building Snow Men - I know what you are thinking...since I don't have a man in my life I should make me one. Funny! Well, for some odd reason my sister and brother are really into creating these things. I don't know what the fascination is in building one, but they do it, and I take pictures of it.So, that's what is going on in my Christmas arena. Wish I had more to share...

Are College Students Really THAT Stupid?

Yes, yes they are! I have been working on campus now for a year, in the Testing Center. I love my job; I get paid to do homework, and talk with my boss about how stupid college students are. A disclaimer here...I'm going to rant, and I'm sure it will please you to know that my attitude has gotten some complaints at work, but they love me too much to let me go - I'm just telling these fellow students how it is. I thought Mommy and Daddy didn't hold your hand in college...Oh yep, they still do apparently???

(Students know all about the Testing Center because it is posted on the SUU website - it answers every question possible, so there should be no reason for a student to not know all that is required for taking tests at the Testing Center.) When reading this please don't get butt hurt, I am a STUDENT, and believe me, I do some pretty stupid things even at college.

Working at the Testing Center:

* When coming to take a test I would think it's common sense to show up with a pencil. You really don't have a pencil...you want to borrow a pencil? No, you cannot borrow a pencil because then you will continue to take advantage of borrowing a pencil every time you come and test. However, YOU CAN BUY a pencil. Oh, you don't have a quarter. Sorry Charlie, you're out of luck and I'll be here when you are fully prepared to come back. See you soon. Wink! After sending him on his way I turn to my boss who is just shaking her head in disgust that students are so on top of it, she then say's, "What college student doesn't carry a pencil?"

* You are here to take a test...who is your professor? You don't even know what your professors name is. Do you want to call Mommy and ask her and then let me know so I don't give you the wrong test?

* Along with not knowing your professor you don't even know what your class is? Okay, it's Economics - that's a start! Well, there are several different Economic classes, do you want 2010, 3010, etc. Get your poo together.

* Are you really going to sit here and argue with me about the type of calculator. Your professor said a non graphing calculator. Here is a picture of a graphing calculator and here is a picture of a non graphing calculator. What do you not understand? (I have to say this caused many of arguments, students just want to argue until they get their way. If a teacher told us a non graphing calculator then that is what you are to use unless you go and talk to your professor - Seesh!)

* The day after a test is completed don't try to come in and take a test. You are here to take the Math 1010 tests with Professor John Doe. Well Sunshine, that test closed yesterday, and to top it off you had a whole week to come in and take that test. Unless you were on your death bed I don't see why you couldn't make it in until now.

* It gets me every time. "Excuse me Darling, do you want credit for this test you just took?" With a dumbfounded look on her face, "What?" "I said, do you want credit for this test you just took?" Very smartly she say's back, "Yeah - do you think I'm an idiot, of course I want credit!" "Well Sister, you could start by putting your name on the exam." "Oh, and you have a nice day, you're welcome." I get so tired of that, so now when I am handing out tests I look them in the eye and very sternly say, "DON'T FORGET TO PUT YOUR NAME ON THE EXAM." I even have gone so far to go into the testing room, and in big letters, print on the board that they face, "Don't forget to write your name on the exam." So far 9 out of 10 always put their name on the exam.

* To got along with not putting your name on the test...Many of the professors like to reuse their tests, therefore, the students are NOT ALLOWED to write on the test. Here is your test, and for another reminder, DO NOT write on the test. Test is done, test comes back, test has writing on it. That's just grand, thanks for listening.

* And lastly, if you have a cell phone (curse the cell phone!) make sure it's turned off! Not on vibrate, not on silence, but TURNED OFF! This is the best, a student who had previously fought with me about the calculator, and has been testing here numerous times this semester came into to take a test last week. Apparently 10th time is a charmer with him? I ask nicely to make sure the cell phone is turned off. 15 minutes later as I am in the testing room (where it is silent) I hear the song of some hip hop artist singing away and the hand of the young man reaching for his pocket. Caught ya - Nice!!! You're out, see ya! The rules say, if your cell phone goes off why testing you will be asked to leave. Maybe next time he'll get it right.

I really do love my job, but I just thought with work coming to an end for three weeks I would share some of my favorite things about this job. Did I say I get to do homework while I work, that part is my favorite!

Alive, Clean, and Waiting for Love From the River...

Well, I accomplished another big time goal! I just got done rafting down the Colorado River from Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon, to Diamond Creek. What a BLAST! A BLAST I TELL YOU, OH MY GOSH IT WAS JUST GRAND! Like the canyon...

My first big thing was to go with out showering, I think that was much accomplished except for the major rapids that showered me, however, I never did soap up before them.

Second, I tried to find LOVE - even on the River. Halfway through our rafting journey we came to a place called Deer Creek Falls. It was one of our longer hikes, and full of heights, to which I am becoming less and less of a fan...anyhow, as the others were off hiking I stayed behind and just chilled. Josh (my totally awesome cousin who is the best river guide ever) told me of a crevice between the rocks that river guides would leave notes and treasures for other river guides. Since I didn't go hiking Stephanie and I decided to check out these nestled treasures. As the Lord be will'n and the creek don't rise I found a letter, or a "NOTICE" from a man looking for a women. Ah ha, I decided to answer this man's "notice" and as time will hopefully tell, and according to my cousin Josh, this young man should be answering my reply come next summer when the rafting season begins.

Among other things of which are of more importance, the rafting trip of a LIFETIME through the Canyon of the GRAND was beyond awesome, and even with being the middle of November I would do it again if the chance arose.

Timeline:

Day One: Were supposed to camp at the top of the South Rim, but decided it was way to fetching cold and stayed in a hotel. (And, I didn't even shower...)

Day Two: At the butt crack of dawn (5:00am) we began our hike down the Grand Canyon, 7 1/2 miles to the bottom to what is called Phantom Ranch. Crossed paths with my brother as he was finishing his trip and I was just beginning. Met up with the rest of the party who had already been rafting for eight days. Changed into my hideous manly gear and was thrown into some MASSIVE rapids.

Day Three: Camped at a beautiful sight, survived the cold camp air, geared up for another day on the river with side hikes that were beautiful as could be.

Day Four: Thrown into a very cold day, with a very frightening moment of one of our parties boat being flipped over. And, very grateful that everyone was okay.

Day Five: More river rafting, beautiful side hikes, and my friend Stephanie's Birthday. We also took a moment of silence for missing the opening night of New Moon...

Day Six: You guessed it, more river rafting and side hikes.

Day Seven: Conquered the ugliest rapid on the Grand Canyon - safely made it through Lava Falls, class 10 rapid. Woosh - out of control, yet totally amazing. The Lord heard our many prayers that day and kept all of us safe. I have to share this "not at the moment" funny thing that did happen on Lava Falls. I was in the raft that would always go first through the rapids (Josh's raft) and at each rapid we would wait at the bottom to make sure everyone got through safely. As we patiently waited at the bottom (which seemed like an eternity) Logan and Glen finally approached the rapid. There was a huge rock that blocked part of our view of them coming through. As we watched we could see that they made it through the first big hole, then they went out of view. With our view being blocked with the rock we had to wait to make sure they made it through the other rocks/holes. Just as they came into view we saw their boat beginning to flip and Glen scrambling to high side it so it wouldn't flip over. As we see Glen trying to keep the boat down we notice Logan (who was rowing) is gone. Now if you know my relationship with Logan you might think that I was happy, but as it was I started to panic and tear up, just as the tears, yes TEARS hit we see on the other side of the raft Logan clinging on to the rope with a hand in the air shouting "YEAH!!!!" The tears immediately turned to tears of happiness. Logan was gratefully okay.

Day Eight: A few big rapids, but not like the other day's, the canyon began to open up more, and a stench from not showering starts to seep out. Yet, who cares???

Day Nine: Basically on still water, basking in the warm sun, and continuing to smell.

Day Ten: Our journey is over as we finish rowing to Diamond Creek, the sun on our faces, literally, since I got burned, and arriving at a baron bank to pack up and wait for our rides to greet us and take us home. Finally, arriving home close to midnight to be greeted by my Mother who first thing out of her mouth is, "What is that smell?" Well mommy dearest - that would be me, and Frankly my Dear, I don't give a damn! Actually a hot shower has never felt so good!

As a final word, if anyone ever goes rafting down the Grand Canyon don't ask your guide (luckily my guide was my cousin who knew how ditsy I was...) as you are floating down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, and say, "What Canyon is this?" To his reply, "Well Libby, this canyon is The Grand Canyon." Is it okay to use the excuse that the smell coming from my body was overpowering my brain to function properly?

To see pictures you can go to my cousin Logan's blog, Paddle Oar Die or I have posted pictures, if you scroll down to "Libby's Pictures" you will see a new set of pictures called "Canyon of the Grand." Enjoy!!!

Special Thanks to my wonderful extended family for allowing me to come on this "once and a lifetime" trip. I will always have fond memories. Thank you, thank you!

Bringing Up The Back End!

This weekend I had another fun filled, yet much needed girls weekend. Although, this weekend was a little bit of work. I ran my fourth half marathon...and if you saw my Facebook status I am wondering if four half marathons equal two full marathons...Probably not! Doesn't hurt to ask??? Friday night after a day of crying (literally cried in front of the tutor at the tutoring center...) about Organic "created by the DEVIL HIMSELF" Chemistry I met up with two of my dear married friends MinDee and Alisha for a huge helping of PASTA from the Pasta Factory, a total change of attitude, and a much needed attitude uplift - thanks girls!

I say huge helping of pasta because this Saturday morning the three of us ran the fairly new Snow Canyon Half Marathon. It was my girls first ever half marathon, and boy did they rock it! Totally pleased with them, and impressed that MinDee left Alisha and I in the dust (No worries MinDawg, Lish and I had a good time chatting away). I think my lack of drinking water lately caught up to me on the race and my muscles cramp up horribly bad. As a testimony builder I will not go without drinking water! Besides, I KNOW BETTER! To sum it all up the run was beautiful, and the St. George weather was amazing for this time of year!

After the race, and a little bit of rest, the three of us girls rewarded ourselves with a much needed pedicure! How come the pedicure went by so fast...I wanted it to last a whole lot longer! Well girls, let's do it again!!! (Shellie - my friends are trying to get me to sign up for the St. George FULL Marathon...but I just don't know if I have it in me...and they want to run it with having only ran one half marathon...)

My Baby!

The last two weeks have been dedicated to putting this video together for my Education Technology class. I have spent every possible moment working on this production. One of the Lab Assistants finally said, "It's not going to be an Oscar Winner!" I think he just got tired of me spending a lot of time in the lab, and needing lot's of help??? Well, it's not Oscar material, but I'm pleased with the outcome. A special thanks to my friend Holly, my sister Jessica, and my dear Aunt Debbie. (Yes, I spelt November wrong on the very end credits...GADS!!!!)

BooHaaaahaaaa!

(This is as dressed up as I get...I pulled this old purple wig out of hiding and put it on...the trick or treaters enjoyed it???)

SO, sadly enough I spent Halloween preparing for my next upcoming adventure - rafting the Colorado river, and DOING HOMEWORK??? As I worked on my homework I did hand out candy to all the little goblin's that showed up at the door. My favorite little goblins that showed up were Trace and Peyton York.

Look Who I Got to Cuddle With - One Happy Gal!

My cousin Summer just had her second child, a two month early miracle, a little girl named Peyton, after Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill (had to add that). Since her little girl was two months early she is not really allowed out of the house for six months. I've tried to do all I can to help out, but am pretty busy myself. However, today after I got off work I went right over to her home and picked up her little boy, Trace. The weather was amazing here today, so Trace, my brother Cash, and I played with him for hours outside. After about three hours outside Trace started to get sleepy. I took him in and laid him down, and lo and behold the cute little bugger who 90% of the time can't stand me let me lay with him and cuddle. Of course the minute I hit the pillow I was out!!! After about thirty minutes of a nice power nap, I heard the little man snoring away. I had to document this rare moment, and remember it forever. I had so much fun playing with him today, but I'm always grateful when it's time to give the little ones back to the parents. Got to love my single life!

Why Can't My Life Just Calm Down???

Here's to another weekend of fun filled good times! My word, I would love to just sit and not do anything for some Saturday and Sunday! I just keep counting down the days until Christmas break where I will be three weeks of no school, and no work. Not really looking forward to the no work, but what do you do?

This last weekend a dear friend of mine, Edmond, came up from San Diego and spent two days with me. He was driving through Utah to get to a ski resort in Colorado that he will be working for, for the next six months. He had never seen the parks here in Southern Utah, so I showed him what I could with the time I had.

Sunday when he arrived I sent him to the St. George Temple Visitors Center and then I met up with him and had him follow me home. We got to my place and headed off to Kolob to see the "Five Fingers." He thought it was magnificent! We couldn't do any hikes, to which I know he was bummed about, but we saved our energy for the next day. After Kolob we came back and I cooked him dinner, and we stayed up into the late hours catching up and chatting the night away.

Monday morning - thank goodness for the "Deer Hunt" I had no school, so we packed up and headed to Bryce Canyon National Park. To much of our luck the weather was beautiful - just a bit on the cold side. We got to the park, had lunch and then began our hiking. Not sure how many miles we did, I let Edmond be in charge since I have seen Bryce Canyon before and I wanted him to experience what he could. On our hike we met up with some cute Swiss boys and ended up hiking with them. I'm pretty SURE they thought I was crazy, but whatever, I had fun! And, FUN is what it's all about yo! After our hiking and seeing the park it was time to come back to reality. We ended the night cooking dinner together, and chatting the night away once again. The next morning I sent him on his way with my National Park Card (that expires the end of this month) with hopes that he'll get to see Arches National Park.

It's always great to have friends and family from afar stop in for a visit! Just know you all are always welcome, and I'll try to party it up like it's 1999. But, do know I'm ready for a vacation from all my vacations...does that even make any sense? Basically I just want life to slow down a bit.

Whirl Wind Weekend - Part Deux

Well as sad as I am to say goodbye it's much relief to get back into my "real" life. Holly's Mom and friend Crystal left on Monday, but we packed in a very fun weekend before they left St. George. On Friday we went to the St. George temple and did sealings since Linda (Holly's Mom) has never done any besides her own. Plus it's fast and quick. Short story to add to my blondness, after we were done with sealings I asked the Sealer if we could take the short cut down to the Celestial Room (the hidden stairs) he said no, and that they weren't allowed to take people that way anymore. I, out loud said, "Shoot!" Then I felt bad and started to ramble off, "Dang it, I mean darn it?!?! I mean...SORRY, I am going to go now because everything that is coming out of my mouth is not Temple Worthy..." With that said, Linda was laughing, she got so "tickled" as those Kentucky Folk say. After doing our service for the day we went to the visitor center heard some stories about the building of the Only TRUE Temple and then went for ice cream.

First thing Saturday morning it was off to Zion's National Park to see the beauty right in our backyard. We drove through the park, and tunnel, then hopped on the shuttle to hike the sidewalk version of the Narrows. After our "long" hike we went for some lunch at a fun little cafe in Springdale. However, as we were riding the shuttle back to our car we had to make all the stops along the way of picking people up. At one stop this group of four women got on the shuttle. The five of us were split up in between cars, I was in the back car just chilling. As I glanced up at the women who had just got on the shuttle I looked at the one woman and immediately said, "Are you a Lewis?" She said yes, and then said, "You are Sister Williams!" Sister Lewis was from Utah, but had moved to Beattyville, Kentucky (Where Linda and Holly are from) and were living there as I was serving as a missionary. I was so excited!!!! I immediately said, "You will not believe who is up in the next shuttle?" "LINDA AND HOLLY AKEMON!" Sister Lewis was so excited that she tried to get off the shuttle at the next stop to run up and see them. (They had become dear friends in Kentucky, and just the week of conference we had talked about them and their family.) She waited until we got to the parking lot and then we went and surprised Linda and Holly. It was an awesome little reunion, and totally random!

Kai (Stacie's son), Crystal, Stacie, Holly, Eliza (Crystal's daughter), Me, and Linda.

Me, Linda, Jodi Lewis, and Holly

After our adventures in Zion it was off to a show at Tuachan. Bless my sister Jessie's heart for getting us free tickets, and AWESOME seats to Aiada. We were four rows from the stage, and I had the BEST view of the shirtless lead man, who made eye contact with me several times during the show. He really did! I'm sure it means nothing, but it got my heart thumping and Holly laughing pretty hard. Her and I shouldn't go to shows, I think we laugh too much, and are very distracting. After the play it was goodbye, they were leaving Monday to fly back to Kentucky. It was bittersweet, but I know I'll see them soon. (This year for spring break Holly and I are flying to Nashville, TN then driving up to Kentucky to stay with her parents for the week, with a side trip to North Carolina to visit Linda's cousin who is a High School principle so I can meet her and talk about student teaching/working at her school when I graduate SUU. Gosh that was a mouth full, and probably a grammar no, no!)

Anyhow, life goes on, time was well spent, with a lot of fun! Now in two weeks I have another friend coming through town on his way to Denver that I'll get to play with. Stay tuned for that fun adventure!

Whirl Wind Weekend...and Another one this weekend???

As many of you know I was once upon a time a tour guide. Well, this weekend I put the act on again. I had some dear friends from my mission (Kentucky - Ohio Cincinnati Mission) in town for the next two weeks. Our first order of business was for Holly and I to go straight to the SLC airport and pick them up! We picked them up a little after 12:00pm and headed over to the super cute Gardner Village in Midvale - correct me if I'm wrong. As it would be, the place was jumping with little goblins and lot's of Mom's. We ended up eating at the tasty Archibald's and then wander through the cute little boutiques. One in particular was the candy shoppe. I have a new favorite dessert, which is sinfully sent from Satan - not to be dramatic, but it's known as banana cream fudge. I literally died and went to heaven, or hell, depending on, I don't know...nevermind? What happened first was just a sample. We left the store to leave Gardner Village, and as we were getting situated in the car I ran back to purchase me a "big sample," if you know what I mean. Move over peanut butter pie, there is a new guy in town and his name is BANANA CREAM FUDGE!Along with finding me a new dessert, we had gotten tickets to two sessions of General Conference. However, my friends forgot the Saturday morning session. Holly and I weren't to bummed because going to two morning sessions is a lot of work. So, as Saturday morning approached we took our time getting ready, relaxed and enjoyed the two sessions in the comfort of our temporary living quarters. That night, why all the men in our lives (to which there isn't any) were at the priesthood session we ventured out on the town of Happy Valley and went to the beloved Mormon bookstores. Where I bought Sister Oaks new book, "A Single Voice" and have almost finished it. SO GOOD!!! SO GOOD!!! Did I say how good it is??? (For those of you who don't know much about her, Sister Oaks, she is married to Elder Oaks - the apostle, is his second wife, AND she didn't get married until she was 53!) After bookstore shopping it was off to a Brazilian grill where it was all you can eat meat on a stick. Another moment for me visiting HEAVEN! Although, about two hours later I wasn't quite in heaven, rather hell - you get my drift...and that drift didn't smell so good? After bathroom break we had to top off dinner, so it was off to JCW's for an awesome "small" shake! When we are all together we eat a lot!!!

Yes, let's talk General Conference shall we...I know you don't want to know about my bathroom time. As Sunday would have it, they, the Mazing Mormons had two more sessions of General Conference. We got up early, got ready, rode the tracks, and got hit with rain just as we got off the train. Made our way to the Center and got ourselves situated for another moment of being in the presence of an AWESOME PROPHET. I love attending Sunday Morning Session because it means we get the Spoken Word, and they sang two of my favorite songs. So peaceful and wonderful. Soon after the Spoken Word the conference began, and the head bobbing bobbed.

After conference we left and went to a dear friend, and an old mission companion that I have stayed in great touch with to see her off before she headed back to Alaska, where she recently has moved. She just had a precious little baby boy, and we literally got to spend 20 minutes with her and hold the baby. For you Seinfeld folks, "We had to see the Baaabbbby!" Boom, and it was off to eat, pack, and drive back to Southern Utah. It was a fast trip, but extremely fun, and I am so blessed to have made such dear friends from my mission, and to stay in touch with them even after seven years. Yikes - can you believe I've been home that long?

Well, I'm sure that was a lot of reading for you all, and I have to say if you READ IT ALL then props to you! That really touches my heart that you would take the time to read about me and my adventures, and time spent in the bathroom! Speaking of bathroom...Got to run, I think that grilled cheese sandwich I just ate is needing to be disposed!

You Can't Say This Doesn't LOOK EXCITING....

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh I'm so, so excited. Can you tell? ENJOY! I may even become a Jacob fan...(Thanks Sally for the info on it not working...hopefully this one does.) NEW MOON, NEW MOON, NEW MOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Goal: Visit as Many Temples as Possible

(These pictures were taken back in July when Jessie and I attended the Oquirrh Mt. open house.)

Due to my lacking in the blog department I thought I would share one of my many (100...and counting) goals I have for this life. I would love to visit and photograph all of the Latter Day Saint Temples. As of now I have done pretty good. To add one to my list I just did an endowment session in the newly built Draper Temple. This past weekend a dear friend of mine who I met a year ago at school, who happens to be in the same program as me in school, and who was in my current singles ward in Cedar City decided to take out her own endowment; so she invited me to be their for her special day. Because I'm kind of selfish I also saw it as an opportunity to finally go through the Draper Temple. I did attend the Dedication Broadcast, however I still wanted to go through. The temple was amazing - as all temples and experiences are pretty amazing. Here goes another number on my list of temples attended or visited...how many more to go? Hopefully in this life I will get to see most of them before the time comes to ditch this life, and of course, head to a better one!

Temples attended:

St. George, UT (which is the only true temple...)

Logan, UT

Jordan River, UT

Oquirrh Mountain, UT

Provo, UT

Las Vegas, NV

Los Angeles, CA

San Diego, CA

Oakland, CA

Anchorage, AK

Seattle, WA

Temple Grounds (never did a session)

Ogden, UT

Bountiful, UT

Salt Lake, UT (I need to go to this temple - SOON!)

Mt. Timpanogos, UT

Manti, UT

Monticello, UT

Idaho Falls, UT

Cardston, Canada

Portland, OR

Laie, HI

Newport Beach, CA

Nauvoo, IL (Still a little bitter about that whole situation of not being able to do a session...)

Panama Canal, Panama

Yes, I have a long way to go. Especially since the church just keeps popping these temples out! 24 Temples down, only 106 more to go. (That's the number of finished and working temples.)

Today I...

Planted my last flower...

Pulled my last weed...

Deadheaded my last Marigold (which I am no longer a fan of...), Petunia, Cosmo, Geranium, and the list of flowers could go on and on...

Bent over one last time showing my back end to whom ever was passing on a busy street - thank heavens for my overalls!

Shoveled my last pile of dirt - by the way, I now hate the sound of a shovel scraping over cement!

Picked up my last bit of garbage...

Dumped my last pile of garbage...

Pruned my last bush...

Screamed one last time at a slimy worm poking their head up at me...

Watered my last flower bed...

Wore my overalls one last time...they are going into hibernation until next May when I start working on the flower crew again!

Soaked the sun up for one last farmers tan...

Woke up at 5:30am for the last time...(although, I hope to keep up the early morning routine so I can study my scriptures in the dawns early light, rather than just before sleepy time!)

Shoved dirt under my fingernails and toenails one last time...My poor feet look horrible, a much needed pedicure will take care of that tomorrow!

Finished several books (including Harry Potter 3 & 4) on tapes...

Got off work one last time smelling dirty, and looking sweaty...

AND...

Tried not to cry as I said "Goodbye," or "See you all next May" to my fun summer job working on the Flower Crew at SUU.

This is Ross, my Boss! Him and I would wear our overalls everyday...he's the one who inspired me to buy a pair. Ross the Boss also taught me a lot about planting, gardening, and flowers galore! He was a great Boss, that Ross!

Oh Crystal, my coworker who taught me a lot of patience!!! However, even though I couldn't stand her most of the time, not to say I'm not a pain in the butt, I told her today if she is working on the Flower Crew next summer I would be happy to be her "companion" as she called us, next summer. (Note about flower bed: this flower bed is in front of the President of SUU's home - Crystal and I would take care of it, and boy did it take a lot of work to make it look this good! If anything the people that drove down this street got to enjoy this beautiful flower bed. Also, it's a lot bigger than what is shown in the picture.)

Natalie and Holly - they worked on the lawn crew, but the three of us became fast friends! In fact, Natalie (the one in the red shirt) happens to be in the same situation I am in...Oh how the Lord works in mysterious ways...We are both 29, return missionaries, and trying to figure out our lives, and get through school. (By the way this picture was taken at SIX in the MORNING, so as to why I'm not as chipper looking...)