Christmas Jars

Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a fast read - a little over 100 pages. The story is a tearjerker, keep a box of tissues close by. Not even 15 pages into the book and I was crying, thinking to myself, what kind of story is this? However, as the story quickly unfolds it is a story about the true meaning of Christmas - giving to those who are less fortunate, or giving to those who need a lesson in humility and giving.

The story begins about a single woman who is left a baby girl. She takes on the responsibility and love to raise this girl. As the girl grows up she becomes a writer for the local newspaper. Her adopted mom then gets cancer and dies, leaving her all alone. When you think the story can't get any worse the young girl who is all alone gets robbed one night of all she has. During that same traumatic evening she soon finds a large jar of money on her doorstep. Because she is a writer/reporter for the newspaper she decides to investigate where this jar of money labeled, "Christmas Jar," came from. What she finds is an amazing family who created this sweet tradition....

This book really made me want to start this tradition, Christmas Jar. I may not be able to do this tradition now because of my living situation and finances. But, hopefully someday I can keep a large jar in my kitchen all year long, place all my spare change into it, and give it to someone who truly needs it! I know that I can't afford to do that now, but this Christmas season is not only about giving to others in need, but it's about how you treat others. It can be some of the simplest things, like holding a door open for a Mother with her arms full, and children by her side. It's wishing people a Merry Christmas, just saying thank you for doing a small thing, or just being kind to others.

Christmas Jars is great read, and a quick read, that should be added to your holiday list of books/stories. It now has become a favorite of mine.

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25 Day's (or things) of Christmas

Fa la la la la, la la la laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Tis the season to to be merry....

1. Put up my tree - this year I went for the the silver and gold theme - pretty, but to elegant for my surrounding???

2. Started working as a holiday gift wrapper. I am officially a pro at wrapping gifts. I have the paper cuts of a seasoned holiday gift wrapper.

3. Watched my fair share of overly cheesy, romantic Christmas movies.

4. Used my "cocomotion" one to many times to have the creamiest hot chocolate EVER!

5. Read the book, Christmas Jar's for book club, and as I read it I was put into the real reason for the season...then I attended book club and became a Grinch???? Figure that one out???

6. Drove around one day (cause I was lost) and ended up taking in the beautiful Christmas lights. Wow, people really get into that. Good for them!

7. Had a family C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S dinner...you should've read about that. (Scroll down if you missed that post.)

8. Sat on Santa Claus's lap...so that was rather interesting...

9. When Santa asked me what I wanted for Christmas I jokingly, YES JOKINGLY said, "Can you get me a man?" He then asked, "Where do you live?" I then said, "I'm from St. George area, but now live in Cedar City area." He then tells me, "Well, that's your problem, you live in Cedar City." Guess I won't be seeing a man under my tree this year. Wink, Wink.

10. After a painstaking long time, or so it felt, I FINALLY got my Christmas cards sent out! Only to find that I had spelt Santa Claus wrong, then to fix that mistake I spelt "oops" wrong. Good NIGHT, what a mess. For those getting my Christmas cards I hope you had a good laugh!

11. Continued to put off my Christmas shopping because I feel that I work better under pressure?

12. Christmas kept getting closer, and closer. Yet, I continued to put off the shopping.

13. Thought about doing my Christmas shopping online, but missed that deadline.

14. Finally, with three days to spare I got up early and in the worst possible weather traveled to St. George to start and finish my shopping in approximately 3hrs because I had to be to work by noon. Mission accomplished! I never in my life have shopped that fast.

15. Attended a packed Christmas concert in Cedar City to get me more into that Christmas spirit.

16. Continued to work like a crazy person wrapping peoples gifts and trying not to get ticked off when they don't say thank you for doing a FREE SERVICE and wrapping their Christmas presents! (I'm not bitter - in fact, I have been offered the opportunity to go back for every holiday and next Christmas!)

17. Wanted to make some holiday goodies to take around to my neighbors, ran out of time and ended up taking them chocolates from my Mommy's chocolate factory. It's sad that it's only at Christmas I actually get to sit and visit with my next door neighbors.

18. Family arrived to ring in the holiday filled with lot's of food.

19. Watched the Seinfeld episode that featured the holiday celebrated on December 23, Festivus.

20. Christmas eve was spent eating dinner together with the family, and watching a sweet movie/documentary about forgiveness. The Heart of Texas. Rent it, watch it, and strive to be like them.

21. Finally got to sleep in some on Christmas day. Had a wonderful breakfast and enjoyable time opening and giving gifts to each other.

22. Santa heard my plea for not only a "man for Christmas," but I got me a new salad spinner. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! (Do I have a story about getting a man...wouldn't you like to hear it...guess that will be kept a secret for now.)

23. Ate more food and visited with family.

24. Played games for hours on Christmas day, and enjoyed every minute of it.

25. Received a white Christmas...the day after, but it came.

With all those 25 things, my Christmas was really swell!

Merry Christmas!!!

Great Christmas Tradition

On my Daddio's side of the family my Auntie Debbie always does a C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S dinner in the month of December. This year all of us relatives in the surrounding southern Utah area got to be apart of this great Christmas tradition. I was so excited! I always thought this was such a cool tradition, and I have always thought that if I ever get married and have a family I'm going to do this very tradition! The tradition consists of having a meal that spells out Christmas. Oh my gosh the food was so good - and so much! I was sicker than a dog, but that's the norm for me.

Picture was provided, and put together from my crafty cuz, Anisa! Thanks Anisa for letting me borrow this.

Ryan and Anisa welcoming us all.

You don't have to tell us it's time to eat - we all know how to dig in!

Jessie reading her family history about our Great Grandparents.

Visiting - it's what we do best...besides eat!

Joren loves Peyton!

My baby Peyton - I love her. Oh, I'm going to miss her!!!! A tear!

More visiting - or listening...

Trace! This is his "Libby Face!" I love to make him do this - so glad I actually caught it on camera.

Christmas Card Catastrophe

I'm starting to panic because it's almost Christmas and I haven't got my Christmas cards sent out. I wanted to do something similar to last years - take the poem, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and tweak it to my life this year. But, because of stress from school, working two jobs (now just the one), and trying to just stay sane I haven't got my cards done and I'm FREAKING OUT!!! I want people to enjoy my card, but will they???? I got my picture with Santy, and the envelopes are all addressed, but the poem. The BLASTED POEM is still in the works! Sheesh...

Last years Christmas card - it was a joke, I hope you got that.

The Night Before Libby’s Christmas

By Liberty Williams

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Libby was STILL single, and searching for something called a spouse!

The lingerie was hung by the dryer with care,

In hopes that a man soon would be there!

Libby nestled herself all snug in her bed,

With visions of men dancing away in her head.

With pajamas from Gap,

She had just settled down for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter!

She sprang from her bed to see what the matter?

Looking out the window on the new fallen snow,

‘Twas a limo of men driving up from below.

The driver drove faster than Edward in Twilight

As he shouted the men’s names in hopes she might find her white knight!

Now, Blue eyes! Now, Tall, Dark, and Handsome, Now Edward.

Now, Clever! Now, Active! Now, Wealthy and Funny!

Right before her eyes, she was ready to call one “My Honey!”

Now hurry, now hurry, now hurry one and all!

So, up to the house the men came running,

They were all just so divinely stunning!

When, what to her wondering eyes should appear,

But the twinkling of a diamond, which made her stand up and cheer!

She knew in a moment this must be the one,

Could this be true, could she really be done?

No more searching, wishing, hoping, and dreaming,

Single no more was beginning to look so pleasing.

With a wink of his eye, and a smile to make one melt,

He then began to knelt…

When out of the blue such a beeping arose,

As her alarm clock blared, and her dream disappeared.

Libby woke to a Christmas filled with despair,

In hopes that next year, she might have a prayer!

But until then may your home be filled with cheer,

As I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I Land in a Pile of Poop and Seem to Come Up Smelling Like Roses

A couple of weeks ago during my little, "my life is so rough" moment I was hanging out one night with my Cuz Summer. During our little "hang out" we went to the one and only department store in Cedar City called Christensen's. I was pretty much bored out of my mind while The Cuz went shopping. During my "bored" moment I decided since it was getting close to Christmas and I had been thinking about a holiday job I would ask someone at the store if they were hiring. I saw (and knew) that Christensen's had a "wrapping center" in the back of the store. I decided to go back and just ask if they would be hiring for holiday help. At the time, I was REALLY all about it, for working thru the holidays. But, as the weekend came to a close I was like, "Naaaa, I'm going to enjoy my Christmas holiday rather than work." However, during my shopping time with my Cuz I had talked to one of the owner's wife and daughter about working the wrapping counter through the holiday's. They were just as sweet as suga' to me, and really made it sound like they would hire me on the spot. (I also talked to the Manager that night as well, him telling me to turn in a my resume.) Well, like I said, the weekend came and I decided against turning in my resume to this department store. As my luck, I guess, would have it, two weeks later that daughter, Amy, who I had spoke to that night came and found me on campus at SUU. She had apparently seen me working in the Testing Center (so glad she was one person I had been nice too) and left a message for me to call Christensen's. The message was that they wanted to hire me, but couldn't seem to find my resume that I had turned in. Hello, I didn't turn in a resume! So, I decided that I must REALLY need this job through the holidays. I printed off my resume and immediately went in. I talked to one of the Assistant Managers and first thing he said was, "Sorry we lost your resume, but we would love to hire you for the position of a holiday gift wrapper." I explained, "Well...um...you never lost my resume because I never turned one in..." He was in complete shock, and said, "The job is yours, if you want it." I told him, "I really want it, now, and I'm sorry I never turned in a resume. And, don't think that I'm a complete aloof person." He just laughed and thought it was funny that they had to send one of their workers to stalk me on campus. So, here is to another job on my resume. I already worked the "Black Friday" and absolutely loved all 8 hours of it! This has got to be my new favorite job ever. I know what you are thinking...give Libby a couple weeks at this job and she'll probably rant about something on her blog. I'm here to say, don't count on it yo's! One last thing, this job gets tips. Whoever tips gift wrapping people, I know seriously. (Not the Mormons...cause you all know how I feel about those 10 percent tippers.) Anyhow, I'm not expecting any tips from anyone, but I do know that from working this job if I ever have anyone gift wrap then I'm giving them a tip. That's just how I roll!

So with school done and now plenty of time on my hands I am completely grateful for this new wrapping job. As my Mommy always likes to say to me, "You seem to always think you land in a pile of poop, (she doesn't say that though) but in the end come up smelling like roses!" This time, I have to agree!

***BREAKING NEWS***

This just in - Liberty Williams has finally, finally, FINALLY passed her chemistry class. She received a C+. Frankly, for her, that is like an A+. However, she still has to take the final on Wednesday December 8, 2010. Her Ph.D carrying Professor has specifically told her that on the final all she needs to do is show up and put her name on the test. Sources tell me that she STILL is going to study, and try her hardest on the final. If that is the case, Liberty could walk away with a higher grade. Until then, she is on top of the world, and will be celebrating tonight by wrapping gifts at her holiday job.

(Picture taken after hearing her wonderful news...somebody looks excited?!?!?!?!)

Christmas Music & Christmas Movies

NOW, Christmas can be in the air! As the holiday has begun I am drawn to lot's of classic/fun/sweet Christmas movies. Along with renting/watching all my Christmas movies this month I'm pulling out all my Christmas music as well. What's your favorite Christmas movie, and music?

Top 15 BEST Christmas Movies Ever! (According to me, and in no particular order.)

1. Christmas Story - grew up watching this movie every year..."Ohhhhhh Fuuuuuuuuuuudggggggggggeeee!" "HO!" Long Pause. "HO!" Long Pause. "HO!"
2. Christmas Vacation - HILARIOUS! You should all know my favorite quote, "Why is the carpet all wet TODD? I DON'T KNOW MARGO!"
3. A Very Brady Christmas - a TV made movie that my parents recorded years ago, and is still to this day, a favorite. The Brady kids are all grown up and want to do a family Christmas. (Sadly, I can't find it anywhere on Netflix.)
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Real people version). "It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes, or bags! Maybe Christmas, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas …. perhaps … means a little bit more!" (Currently working on a cross stitch pillow with this quote.)
5. The Christmas Card - a new family favorite of about two years ago. Acting is silly, (my Bro loves this movie, and during dramatic moments him and I like to say, "Now that was an academy award winning performance!") but the story is just so CUTE! It's about a girl, Faith, who writes the troops in Iraq. One letter in particular reaches a certain soldier...and then love begins, in the heart of Christmas time, of course.
6. Jack Frost - part cartoon, part real people. Grab a box of tissues cause this movie is a tearjerker!
7. A Smoky Mountain Christmas - Dolly Parton stars in this fun family movie. Dolly Parton plays a Tennessee music star who is trying to get out of the camera lights when she comes upon a cabin with runaway children, and we can't forget there is a witch is in the story also. I know what you are thinking, but this was another great TV made movie, that as child, I fell in love with. Luckily my Bro was able to get a copy on VHS.
8. One Magic Christmas - seriously, grab TWO boxes of tissues for this wonderful Disney movie. Set in the mid 80's Mary Steenburgen stars as the Mom of a middle class family just trying to survive. During this time of "making ends meet" her family is struck with a tragedy. Soon a Christmas Angel comes and helps her remember the true meaning of Christmas. Oh shoot I'm crying just typing about this movie. (You can't get it on Netflix - kind of mad about that, but I own a copy on DVD that Santa got for me last year...he found it on Amazon.)
9. Prancer - I remember when my Daddio took my Bro and I to see this movie along with All Dogs Go To Heaven (double feature). The story is so touching and sweet, and it's gotta be if Sam Elliot stars in it!
10. A Charlie Brown Christmas - who didn't wait each year for CBS to play this cute little 30 minute movie. Well, I couldn't wait. My most favorite Christmas cartoon! “If it seems too complicated, make it easy on yourself—just send money. How about tens and twenties?”
11. The Preachers Wife - with Whitney Houston. Actually, it's been a long time since I have seen this one. I will be watching it this year. Netflix, just added it - top of my QE.
12. It's a Wonderful Life - if you don't love this movie then something is wrong with you. One of the best Christmas classics around! "Every time a bell rings, an Angel gets its wings."
13. Mr. Krugers Christmas - another wonderful Jimmy Stewart movie. I think the LDS church put this movie out long ago. It's a short sweet movie. On this LDS note I LOVE their five minute movie called The Nativity.
14. Home Alone (only the first one). "Keep the change you filthy animal!"
15. The Santa Clause (only the first one). Disney did it again with a sweet story about Christmas and family togetherness. SO many great one liners in this movie!

Top 15 Christmas Songs (Once again, no particular order, and this list is according to me!)

1. Jar's of Clay, God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen (Their whole album "Christmas Songs" is amazing too!)
2. Sarah McLachlan, Silent Night
3. Jimmy Eat World, Last Christmas (This has got to be my most played/favorite/cell phone ringer song of Christmas.)
4. Faith Hill, A Baby Changes Everything
5. Faith Hill, (again) Where Are You Christmas (From the real people Grinch movie.)
6. Carrie Underwood, What Child Is This
7. Paul McCartney, Wonderful Christmastime
8. Mannheim Steamroller, Carol of the Bells
9. Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Christmas/Sarajevo
10. Josh Groban, Little Drummer Boy (Not really a fan of him, but I do own his Christmas CD, and it's good!)

11. Starlite Singers, Christmas Shoes

12. Kenny Rogers, Mary Did You Know?

13. Glee Cast, O Holy Night (I'm a Gleek, gotta support yo's!)

14. Britney Spears, My Only Wish (I know, I know, I know...)

15. Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson, Wintersong (I also like Sara McLachlan's version - her whole Christmas CD is great though.)

NOW, get watching and listening -

Christmas will be here before we know it!!!

Friends, Family, and FOOD Equal a GREAT Thanksgiving!

I'm sure Thanksgiving was just as busy for you as it was for me. My Thanksgiving festivities started last week when I got invited to TWO Thanksgiving parties. Yes, I got invited to Thanksgiving parties. Two friends of mine that are in my programat school had invited me to a feast of turkey, trimmings, and yummy desserts. Kaitlin invited me to the first one. I've now decided that I like going to parties and meeting new people, especially people who share my love for bathroom humor... Her friends were hilarious, and just fun as can be to be around. I also had an amazing dessert/salad.

Me and Kaitlin. Enjoying that yummy salad!

Grape Salad

Lot's of red, juicy grapes

Pkg. Cream Cheese

Small Container of Sour Cream

Powder Sugar to taste/like

Brown Sugar

Directions: Clean grapes place in bowl and set aside. Cream the cheese and powder sugar to thick consistency. Mix in grapes and sprinkle with brown sugar. Enjoy!

Then next shindig was on Monday before Thanksgiving. Another friend Jaime, who is also in my same program at school, had a huge blowout party with lot's of good food, and lot's of music. She also had a tasty salad that I had to get the recipe from.

Me and Jaime partying it up at her place!

Fruit Salad

8oz. Package Sour Cream

Large can of pineapple chunks

Large can of mandarin oranges

Coconut flakes (but I won't be adding this to my salad)

1 Bag mini marshmallows

Directions: Combine fruit, sour cream and marshmallows in a large bowl and stir together. Serve, and ENJOY!

Lastly, the real Thanksgiving day was spent with my family on my Daddio's side. My Aunt Rosalie took it upon herself to be in charge and it was a huge success. We had TON'S of WAY GOOD, YUMMY, WISH I HAD LEFTOVERS FOOD! We also had a white elephant game where some funny presents were given. Uncle Ron picked two pigs "porking" it, complements of Cash and Kali, Aunt Rosalie got a hard hat which was hilarious on her, and Thayne had to open several gifts just to get to two little pooping key chains. I laughed so hard at all three of their gifts. Surprisingly their gifts were the most sought after???

I first picked a cool whip dish with five $1.00 bills, but that quickly got snatched up. I ended up with two candle stick holders. Not bad. Along with white elephants gifts and gags we played some other games for quite a while which was a lot of fun too.

It's actually not me holding Peyton...I caught this picture just at the right time. Peyton is a doll!

Cash and Kali - so CUTE!

Almost the whole fam damily...just missing a few - wish you were there!

I of course made my Grandma Roberta's Pecan Pie that is HEAVENLY - made two, and they didn't even make it home. I also tried a new pie this year from the one and only Pioneer Woman. I made her Pumpkin Cream Pie, that was also a hit! I need to give a shout out to Josh on the macaroni salad that he made. Tasted just like Granny's used too. Well done Josh, well done!

Grandma Robert's Pecan Pie

1 Unbaked Pie Shell (I use my cream cheese pie crust of course!)

2 Eggs (beaten)

1 Tsp. Vanilla

½ C. Sugar

2 T. Flour

1 C. Light Karo Syrup

2 T. Melted Butter

1 C. Pecans

Directions: Mix together eggs, vanilla, sugar, flour, and Karo syrup. Melt butter, and mix into ingredients. Pour in pecans and mix. Pour ingredients into unbaked pie shell. Bake for 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year, and I'm glad I got to spend it with my family. Have I said how grateful I am for my family? Well, I am! Yes MOTHER, I do love and appreciate my family even though I'm pain in the butt sometimes towards you all!!!

An Attitude of Gratitude

Thanksgiving is upon us, and because I'm practically a BIPOLAR person according to my blog rants I am here to state what I am grateful for! I know, shocking isn't it.

Grateful For...

1. Family - yeah I really am.

2. Job. I'm so glad I get paid to do my homework! AND, I'm grateful for my new, fun, holiday job wrapping gifts at Christensen's Department Store. (That is a whole other blog post...stay tuned for that.)

3. Honda Civic - that car is the BEST, and still has many more miles to go!

4. Having a snow day - school/work got canceled because of the pending blizzard. And, I still got paid! BooYEAH!

5. Food! Need I say more!

6. School. I'm truly grateful I have the opportunity to go to school and work towards a goal...even though it may be taking longer than I want I know in the end I will be grateful for this whole experience.

7. Netflix. I have such a strong testimony of such a wonderful program. LOVE IT!

8. My bed. First, it's so cute. Second it's so COMFORTABLE!

9. A sister who does whatever I tell her to do...most of the time. ;)

10. My Mac computer. If you don't own one you need to convert - they're the best!

11. Traveling.

12. Camera - captures some of the best moments of my life.

13. Blogging - my little piece of genealogy. And, "Blogger" for giving my Blog back!

14. FRIENDS! I have some of the best friends in the whole wide world. To name all of them would take up so much. You know who you are! Thank you for being my friend.

15. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It really is a good church!

16. My calling at church. It's really making me grow and learn.

17. My plants. I'm not a single old maid with cats, BUT I have PLANTS! They are so pretty and add to the interior decorating of my place. They're so pretty.

18. Bathtubs - nothing treats a long day like a soak in hot bubbles.

19. KitchenAid Mixer...and salad spinner. Rest in Peace Salad Spinner!

20. Makeup - thank you for making me look presentable.

21. Chuck-a-Rama salad bar. SOOOOOOOOO HEAVENLY!

22. AccccccTiviaaaaaaa - keep'n it regular yo's, or in my case, slow'n it down!

23. College professors who make time to work with you. Cough, cough...Chemistry Professor really wants me to pass my class, and thinks that I can.

24. Good books that let you escape reality and go to places far away. And Edward Cullen. ;)

25. Music! Music! Music!

26. Stealing the Internet so I don't have to pay $40.00 a month. Outrageous!

27. Glee! Yes, I am a total Gleek, and PROUD OF IT! Don't go dissing on my Glee.

28. Cell Phone - keeping me connected to the ones I love. Not grateful for texting though. Okay, so I am a little...

29. Dishwasher. I don't have one, but I would be so grateful for one!

30. Airplanes that let me travel to far off lands like Alaska...even in January for my friends wedding!

31. Being Single. Yup, I love being single. From what I heard Eternity is a LONG time. Here's to Living up the single life while I still can.

32. Dating - It gives me free meals!

33. Tampons. I won't go into detail.

34. Since I'm on the subject of Tampons I'm also grateful for toilets and toilet paper.

35. Babies. Love to have them then give them back to their awesome mom's when they get fussy.

36. People who leave free magazines like Better Homes and Gardens at the post office for anyone's taking.

37. Facebook - only when people you haven't seen in years find you on the website and want to reconnect. Now that is why I like Facebook!

38. Institute. I finally get to graduate!

39. My hairstylist (and friend), Alicia. She does an awesome job on my hair and color...what am I going to do when I move far away?

40. TV shows that now come on DVD - how did we ever watch regular TV?

41. TUTORS who are very patient and want me to succeed at school.

42. Sewing machines that fix pants with holes in the croch.

43. The opportunity to serve a Mission in the Ohio Cincinnati Mission. Long live the OCM!

44. Bountiful Baskets.

45. All my experiences in life. Good and Bad!

46. Church stuff - testimony, plan of salvation, eternal marriage, temples, and stuff like that.

47. iPods. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

48. Insurance. Wow, how that stuff has helped me out of deep deer SHHH...

49. Laughing so hard I pee my pants!

50. General Conference talks.

Which leads me to the heart of this Attitude of Gratitude. President Monson gave a wonderful talk this last conference on The Divine Gift of Gratitude. Awesome - read it! After reading/watching this talk at Institute Thursday I decided to change my negative ways.

Favorite "One Liners" from his Awesome Talk

~ Do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love.

~ When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives.

~ We have all experienced times when our focus is on what we lack rather than on our blessings. Said the Greek philosopher Epictetus, "He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."

~ Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings.

~ This is a wonderful time to be on earth. While there is much that is wrong in the world today, there are many things that are right and good. There are marriages that make it, parents who love their children and sacrifice for them, friends who care about us and help us, teachers who teach. Our lives are blessed in countless ways.

~ We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative through and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that "gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others."

~ "The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life. Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!" (Joseph F. Smith)

~ Do material possessions make us happy and grateful? Perhaps momentarily. However, those things which provide deep and lasting happiness and gratitude are the things which money cannot buy: our families, the gospel, good friends, our health, our abilities, the love we receive from those around us. Unfortunately, these are some of the things we allow ourselves to take for granted. Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.

~ We often take for granted the very people who most deserve our gratitude. Let us not wait until is too late for us to express that gratitude.

~ A grateful heart, then, comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. This requires conscious effort--at least until we have truly learned and cultivated an attitude of gratitude. Often we feel grateful and intend to express our thanks but forget to do so or just don't get around to it. Someone has said that "feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."

~ When we encounter challenges and problems in our lives, it is often difficult for us to focus on our blessings. however, if we reach deep enough and look hard enough, we will be able to feel and recognize just how much we have been given.

Let us be grateful for all that we have this Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Gobble, Gobble.

Very Bad, No Good, Horrible, Longest Week EVER!

If I have ever had a bad week, this last week was the icing on the cake. I'm not trying to be dramatic, but seriously everything that could've went wrong WENT WRONG!

Monday Nov. 8 through Sunday Nov. 14, 2010

1. Drove to work freezing cold, when just as I pull into the parking lot I realize that instead of having my heater on full blast I had my air conditioning on full blast???? How on earth do I miss that?

2. Why doing yoga in the "downward facing dog" pose I did something to my heel, and am mad I don't have insurance. I guess I'll just hope that the pain works it's way out...

3. Couldn't handle the stupid college students, and got fired up with one student that wouldn't follow our rules at the testing center. (Students are suppose to bag up their stuff and take it in with them before testing - this student wouldn't, so I told him very rudely that I hope his stuff gets stolen. He then said, "Do you have a knife so you can stab me!")

4. Was so fed up with students that I left work early, and missed out on two hours of minimum wage! (Yes, I got someone to cover my time.)

5. Tried to make homemade caramel, and with one moment unattended I burnt the caramel and had to throw it all away.

6. Volunteered to make refreshments for my "older" institute class, and this was not the week to volunteer and use my time to make refreshments!

7. Had my email hacked into (and I'm hoping you were smart enough to not click on the link I was sending you).

8. Because of the email hacking I'm still debating whether I should change my email, but I don't want to have the work of switching over...

9. Again because of the "hacking" I was trying to switch email accounts and DELETED my precious blog for about thirty minutes. It was seriously GONE from the WORLD WIDE WEB for thirty minutes!!! Yes, I actually cried. However, my cry only lasted about two minutes.

10. Tried for an hour to steal the Internet from my neighbors so that I could video chat with a dear friend, to no avail I gave up and watched stupid wedding shows on TLC.

11. My one day to sleep in this week was not allowed due to working - but I made $65.00 by sitting for 3 hours, so look, my week was starting to pick up some...

12. Ripped a hole in the crotch of my favorite pair of jeans (that I only paid $1.50 for at Down East Outfitters - so it's not like I'm out a lot of money).

13. Taught my "Gospel Principles" lesson for my 4th time, and am starting to wish I wasn't. This week got WAY off topic, and I have a feeling that it's going to continue to get off topic with "these people" that "have" to come to my class each week.

14. Had to go to my 30-45 singles Fireside last night...Had to make some sort of dessert...Had nothing but cake mix, so I made the "cake box Oreo cookies." During the process I was trying to melt a stick of REAL butter and melted it all over the microwave. Ew, now that really erks me to waste a real stick of butter! Cause butta ain't cheep yo's!

LASTLY....

15. During the process of making cookies I was washing dishes and talking on the phone, cause I'm all about multitasking! However, I dropped my phone into the sink full of dishes and soap. My phone actually is kind of water proof...but I still took it apart and placed it into a bowl of rice. (I have a strong testimony of rice drying out cell phones...I know without a shadow of a doubt it works!!!!)

I know, I know, I know. Gee's, I sure can complain a lot! But, in all that very bad, no good, horrible, longest week ever I survived, and am still here to say, BRING IT ON! I can handle just about anything these days...hope your week was a lot better than mine!

Oh HELL!

I'm not quite turning into my Mother, but I'm skipping a generation and turning into my Grandmother. Gads! I made 3 Bean Salad this weekend, and am enjoying a bowl right now for my lunch. I never in a MILLION years thought I would ever make this salad and actually enjoy eating it. But there is something about the vinegar/oil/sugar mixture with the crunch of green beans and onions that awakens my senses. After all the many years growing up spending the weekend with my Grandma, and all she ever had in her fridge to eat was 3 Bean Salad, I now like it. Who would have ever thought? I wish I would've gotten her recipe before she passed away, but thank goodness for allrecipes I was able to find a recipe and whip up this scrumptious salad. I tried to get my roommate (brother) to eat some, but I couldn't convince him. Apparently he is still stuck on the memory of Grandma always having this salad around, and always supplying it at bbq's. I was stuck on that for a while too. But, when you do Bountiful Baskets as frequent as I do, and you get a whole bunch of green beans - I think to myself, Self, what are you going to do with all these green beans? I'm going to make 3 Bean Salad just like Grandma did!

(This picture was taken with my cell phone - so it's not the best picture. You get my jist though!)

Patience - I Need to Get Some

My "older" Institute class has been studying the Living Prophets this semester. That means we take the most recent conference issue of the Ensign and study the modern day Prophets. We are using the April conference issue. I was a little skeptical because that conference just didn't strike my fancy. However, as I always seem to get humbled, I've been humbled by the wonderful words of our Living Prophets.

This last Thursday night at Institute we discussed a talk from the Priesthood session, given by Elder Uchtdorf. I never really pay attention to the Priesthood sessions, but this is one talk I am SO glad got brought to my attention. (Side note - another great talk from this conference was also from Elder Uchdorf given in the Young Women session, called Your Happily Ever After. SO, INCREDIBLE! That whole Young Women session was great.) The talk that we discussed is Continue in Patience. Apparently I need to get some patience, in all things. My teacher said this about patience, "Patience is being happy why you wait." Amen to that!

Continue in Patience

Favorite lines from his amazing talk:

~ The ability to wait--to be patient--is a key character trait that might predict later success in life.

~ Patience - the ability to put our desires on hold for a time--is a precious and rare virtue.

~ Without patience we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect.

~ Patience is a purifying process that refines understanding deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace.

~ Patience is far more than simply waiting for something to happen--patience requires actively working toward worthwhile goals and not getting discouraged when results don't appear instantly or without effort.

~ Patience means active waiting and enduring. Staying with something and doing all that we can--working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed.

~ Patience is not simply enduring; is enduring well!

~ Never give up on anyone. And that includes not giving up on yourself.

~ Every one of us is called to wait in our own way. We wait for answers to prayers. We wait for things which at the time may appear so right and so good to us that we can't possibly imagine why Heavenly Father would delay the answer. God's promises are not always fulfilled as quickly as or in the way we might hope; they come according to His timing and in His ways.

~ We must learn that in the Lord's plan, our understanding comes "line upon line, precept upon precept." In short, knowledge and understanding come at the price of patience.

~ The deep valleys of our present will be understood only by looking back on them from the mountains of our future experience. Often we can't see the Lord's hand in our lives until long after trials have passed. Often the most difficult times of our lives are essential building blocks that form the foundation of our character and pave the way to future opportunity, understanding, and happiness.

~ Patience means staying with something until the end.

~ Patience means accepting that which cannot be changed and facing it with courage, grace, and faith.

~ Ultimately, patience means being "firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord" every hour of every day even when it is hard to do so.

~ Patience is a process of perfection.

~ Patience means to abide in faith, knowing that sometimes it is in the waiting rather than in the receiving that we grow the most.

~ Lessons learned from patience will cultivate our character, lift our lives, and heighten our happiness.

Wow - that was just an amazing talk on patience, and probably the best I have heard in a really long time. I so badly want to be done with school, and be on to the next chapter in my life. But, for some unknown reason I am "stuck" here. I have been stuck here too long, and am antsy to go to the next adventure. I guess I need to just be patient. Ha! Imagine that. Like my institute teacher said, "Patience is being happy why you wait." Well, why I wait I will make the best of it, and be happy.

Happy Halloween!!!

Living in Utah Halloween came early. It was celebrated on Saturday,the 30th of October instead of today, like the rest of the world. It has been years since I have actually dressed up and participated in the Halloween Festivities. I got invited to a Halloween Party on Saturday, and kind of had decided to make a costume that I had seen on a craft blog somewhere. When it came down to making it I really didn't want to actually make something, BUT I'm glad I did. I went as a Rubix Cube. Totally Awesome Yo! It took about two hours of my Saturday morning to construct the thing, and sadly, it only got worn for about 10 minutes. It was a great 10 minutes. The party was a lot of fun, and it was great to actually get out and do something on this scary night. Some of my favorite costumes were, Lisa's (Box of Tissue), one came as grapes (had purple balloons stuck to her), and two girls were Lego's. Gosh, I thought I was clever - nope.

Before the party began we had several goblins show up for candy. The two cutest goblins were Trace and Peyton York. Trace was a Pirate, RRRRRRRRR, and Peyton a little Kitty, Meow. So CUTE!!!

HaPpY HaLLoWeEn!!!

A HaUnTiNG iN CeDaR CiTy - CHiLLiNg!!!

I heard this story recently, and wanted to know if it was true. My friend Lisa and I spent an afternoon wandering around the Cedar City Cemetery looking for this haunted headstone. We spent an hour looking at headstones when much to our surprise the cemetery had an information station (why didn't we go there first?). We found the name of the headstone and began searching once again. With great disappointment we couldn't find the headstone. However, I came back a few days later and went right to the headstone. (Don't think I'll be wandering around the cemetery on Halloween Night, because I'll be partying it up as a Rubix Cube.)

In 1855, two years after our family moved to the old Cedar City fort Jehiel McConnel had the following experience.

"My girlfriend, Mary Jane McCune and I gathered wild food together and planned what we would do after we grew up. Then Mary Jane got married. One night she was staying over with me while her new husband, James W. Farrer, made a freighting trip to Salt Lake. She couldn't stay alone because of Indians. Mary Jane and I heard a commotion in the adobe chicken coop, and when we opened the door we could see a coyote crouching in one corner, its eyes gleaming in the semidarkness. Mary Jane flung her hand out to frighten the animal away, but instead of retreating, it darted at her, sinking its fangs into her throat. I ran screaming to the house for Papa.

Taking in the desperate situation at a glance, Papa saw he could not pull the animal off without tearing Mary Jane's throat to pieces. He sank the fingers of one hand around the coyote's throat, slowly strangling it, at the same time prying its jaws open with the other hand to release the girl's throat as the animal relaxed in death. And then the full horror of the situation came on us, for the coyote, frothing at the mouth, had rabies. In its madness, it had burrowed under the adobe wall of the coop to get at the chickens.

For a few days all of Cedar City watched the situation, and we all breathed a little easier as Mary Jane's throat healed remarkably fast. Almost a month went by, then one day she began to develop unmistakable signs of rabies. She steadily became so vicious and violent that several strong men could not hold her, and it became necessary to bind her and peg her to the floor to keep her from attacking others. She would beg piteously for people to come near her so she could kiss them, but when anyone approached, she would snap at them like a mad dog. As the disease progressed to its horrible end, the stricken girl's suffering became so unbearable that her family finally smothered her to death between two feather beds to shorten her agony.

Papa, fearing that he might have been infected while prying loose the coyote's jaws, insisted that he be chained to the wall for two weeks to forestall any possible violence on his part. He was not contaminated by the encounter, and remained well. Mary Jane's husband of only several months returned to find his young wife and unborn baby tragically dead and buried.

Jehiel McConnell (the friend of Mary Jane McCune) was affected deeply by this experience. The frothing coyote came after her at night for a long time. She couldn't sleep, or would wake screaming."

It is said that on Halloween Night in the Cedar City Cemetery that a frothing coyote can be seen circling the headstone of Mary Jane McCune....

HaPpY HaLLoWeEn!!!

What's Going on With Me?

What's going on with me? Nothing much. Nothing much AT ALL! Gee's, my life is so exciting that it comes to me trying to blog about it. Number one concern I have at this moment is my hair. I cut my hair at the beginning of the summer and then went a little shorter by mid summer. However, now that my funds are cut (get it, "cut" like I have to get my hair cut, and my budget is cut.................oh my...) due to being in school I'm having issues with my hair as it's a short/cute/fun cut, which means I need to stay up on it. But, as I always find a way to have money for food (going out with friends) I always seem to find money to get my hair cut. However, I will have to sacrifice the color. Such a sad life I lead...

You want to know what else is not going on in my life? School. I'm back in school. Yes, really! I know, I know, I should've been graduated a long time ago. And yes, my sister and everyone else on this planet will probably graduate before I do. I have heard all the jokes...I should have a PhD by now. Nope, just trying to get a stinking Bachelors Degree and having a HELL of a time trying to get the DANG thing. Well Libby, what's holding you from graduating? Well, since you ask, it's called Chemistry, and apparently I am lacking the chemical balance (no pun intended) in my brain to understand chemistry. I don't know if I am really lacking some chemical thing in my brain, I'm just saying. Can't really afford a trip to the doctor at this moment, and surely not going to ask him to check my brain for "why I can't pass chemistry." This is my fifth time in the first half of the full year of chemistry that I need to take to graduate. I thought for sure I had it last semester when I was taking my chemistry class for the fourth time. I was so close. My Professor told me all I needed to get on the final was a 33 to pass with a C, and guess what I got. 29. 29, really? Really. So, here I am another semester into the chemistry, and actually feel pretty good about it. I've been meeting with my very condescending, PhD carrying, no social skills Professor, who at least gives me a very tiny inkling of hope with the statement, "You're keeping your head above water this time around, so that's good." "Oh go to Hell!" is what I want to tell him. He could care less if I pass this class, at least that's I how I feel when I go in and meet with him. I'll tell you what, when the end of the semester comes and I pass this gosh awful class (BECAUSE I'M GOING TO PASS THIS TIME!) I will not run to him thanking him for his help! I will definitely be leaving an "end of the semester" evaluation on him - stupid professor. I just love how he thinks he is so great and marvelous because he has a PhD in chemistry, and me, his little peon student has nothing. (Side note - I'm not ragging on anyone who does have a PhD because I think that is SO AWESOME, and if I wasn't struggling so much to get my bachelors I would love to go on and get a PhD...SOMEDAY. Please don't misunderstand - people with PhD's are totally awesome in my book!) If he keeps treating all of his students like this he may not have any students to treat. Well, we are at 10 weeks with only 6 more to go. I am studying and spending all my free time in the tutoring center, so what else can I do? Pray - been there, done that. All I can say is that it's in the Lord's hands, and if he wants me to pass so that I CAN FINALLY MOVE ON IN MY LIFE, then he'll let me pass. IF (big IF) he wants me to stay here another round, then so be it. I'm not going to stop until I pass this class. Believe me, I am ready to pass this class and move on.

Speaking of moving on...let's move on to the next subject shall we? As you can tell I get really fired up about my chemistry, and that I'm still here in Cedar... New subject. Want to hear what happened recently? Well, the church did some changing of their whole "Singles Ward" stuff, and since I'm up there in age my Singles Ward got dissolved, so now I have been put into a "Family Ward." Really, you're going to throw that at me now...I can't seem to pass chemistry, so let's hit your romantic chemistry (that I struggle with, obviously, CAUSE I'M SINGLE) and put you into a family ward where you won't meet anyone single. Okay, so I was a little bummed about it at first, but now I think I'm starting to like it. I've been going to the family ward for two months now, and I just officially got me some new callings. I thought for sure a family ward would not have much need with me, but they have put me to work. I met with the Bishop last week and first thing he said, "I have two callings for you. The one is inspired, the other...well, not so inspired. You can refuse the not inspired one if you feel you don't want it, or have the time." Well shoot, just tell me already what these callings are? The inspired calling is that I am now (because they just sustained me) the Gospel Essential teacher. Crazy I know! SO CRAZY! Don't misunderstand me, I'm fine with teaching and being in front of people, but I'm scared poopless about teaching the gospel topics. This class is for all the new members, and all the members who are just coming back into activity after being less active or disfellowshipped. The Bishop then scares me by saying, "Are you going to be able to handle off topic questions, and lessons getting off subject." I confidently told him yes. I said that I will hope that the spirit is very much with me so that I can answer their questions, and KEEP US ON SUBJECT. I also said that I would tell the students that if I don't know an answer I'll try to find out and get back to them with the answer the following week. He was glad that I accepted the calling and has all confidence that I can do my job without fail. Well thanks Bish, I hope I can have the confidence you have??? Calling number two - uninspired. I'm also the Ward 30-45 Single Representative. GAG!!! Apparently a few weeks back when I attended the Relief Society Broadcast Dinner and Show I met this lady who is the Stake Single Leader. We chatted it up through dinner and she got my information so that she could inform me about up coming single events. Little did I know she apparently went after my Bishop, long story short I got roped into this calling. It won't be so bad. There is only about 4, maybe 5, single folk in my ward, including myself, who I have to try to round up twice a month for a monthly fireside, and family home evening. Shouldn't be that bad. I'm more worried about the Gospel Essential teaching. Yeah, I have taught primary and was Relief Society President (in a Singles Ward - which doesn't really count), but to teach the basic gospel principles - it's going to stretch me. Bring it on is what I say!!!

Lastly, I'm still working at the lovely little Testing Center on campus, and I am stunned daily at how stupid these college students are. My patience is tried each day, and I even threaten my boss that I'm going to quit, but she won't let me. (Besides, I can't quit - I need the money.) I do like the perks of giving ACT Tests on random weekends. Dang that money is good for just sitting on my butt for four hours watching teenage kids sweat through their test.

All and all I guess you can say my life is REALLY not that bad. There are more sad and unfortunate things going on with others that my piddlie little problems don't even make a drop in a bucket! I just have to keep telling myself I only have 3 more semesters, or a year and half then I will be graduated and on to the next destination. Hopefully my teaching jobs will take me far away on to a new adventure, struggles, wards, callings, boys, marriage, and whatever. The sky is the limit, and I have never enjoyed being single more than now. Seriously, I really mean that!!!

Earth Shattering!

About two weeks ago we had some crazy weather come through town. During this bad weather I had a dish drain full of drying dishes. Among these drying dishes was my beloved salad spinner. I love my salad spinner. I received my salad spinner a few years ago for Christmas and have truly loved having it, and using it. My salads just won't be the same without it, and I just don't know if I can wait until Christmas to ask for another. As you can tell something happened to my salad spinner...

It was a cold, wet Saturday night. The rain had been coming down all day, and all week for that matter. I had done my Saturday chores earlier in the day, which included washing the dishes - by hand. After I was done washing the dishes I stacked them as high as I could in the dish drain. I continued on my Saturday cleaning and then got ready for the evening out with my girlfriends. That evening my Daddio and "the Sister" were staying the night with my Landlord (brother). As they were enjoying an evening of Seinfeld in the living room, with rain drizzling outside. The surrounding of the house was struck with an enormous BOOM from the thunder and lightning! The house shook, upon shaking a second sound came from the kitchen. An Earth Shattering noise!!! The three hooligans in the living room immediately got up and went to the kitchen to see what the matt'a. As they came into the kitchen there on the floor, in shattered pieces, was my precious salad spinner. I can only imagine that if I had of been present when this happened there would've been a deafening scream come out of me - NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

When upon arriving home that evening my Daddio, "the Sister," and Landlord braced me for what I would be witnessing in the kitchen. Almost in unison the three of them said, "You're going to be upset, something happened in the kitchen." As the tears began to mount I slowly approached the kitchen, I come around the corner to see my broken salad spinner. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I tried to remain calm and decided that it could be fixed with a lot of patience and super glue. So, that next day I gathered the broken pieces and glue, and got to work. As I began this tedious process I realized that there were a few pieces missing. I searched the floor over and over hoping that these two small little pieces would show up. However, they never did...at that moment. Out of much frustration I took my salad spinner, the sad remains, and threw it away. Only to find, days later, the missing pieces. What the HELLLLLLLLL-O, that always seems to be the case with everything.

Now, I no longer have a salad spinner. I tried to move on this past week, and got to work making me a salad, but was livid with irritation that I had to use a spaghetti strainer to try to clean my salad. Oh, how I miss my salad spinner. I love you salad spinner, I will miss you, but I know that in time (and money) I will find/get a new salad spinner. Until then, life just won't be the same when it comes to making my salads.

Like a Good Neighbor - Johansens Are There!

"We make our friends; we make our enemies; but God makes our next door neighbors."

~ Gilbert K. Chesterton

(Back row: Lori, Carrie, Ronda, Millie, Natalie, Ellen, Jessica J. Bottom row: Me, Hailey, and Jessica W. And sadly, missing Mindy.)

Growing up in the bustling little town of Ivins brings back such good memories. Mostly because we lived in a pretty good neighborhood, but mostly because we had such good neighbors. The wonderful family (neighbors) living across the street from us known as the Johansens! The Johansens are the epitome of perfect neighbors (and perfect family - in my book). But, as life has continued on the children in both my family, and the Johansen family have grown up and moved on. However, that doesn't stop us from staying in touch. My Mother, and Johansens Mother both planned a time for us to all get together and "catch up." What a great time I had seeing almost all the Johansen girls, and of course eating.

There is just something about having great neighbors that makes for great experiences in my many moves in life. Every time I have moved, or lived some where different I have tried to be a good neighbor, and hoped for that good neighbor. I start by introducing myself, my Mother taught me to take food. Food always opens the doors to getting to know your neighbors, or anyone else for that matter. I remember numerous times the Johansen Family has taken care of my family, borrowed us many cups of sugar, eggs, etc., took care of our pets/plants when out of town, lent a many listening ears to our woes of life, know how to have a great time, and just set the perfect example of how to be righteous, happy, wonderful, and loving neighbors. I hope they never move away from "across the street" from my parents. It is always comforting coming home to visit and to know that we still have great neighbors across the street.