Some Awesomeness of 2010 in Pictures

This year has been filled with awesomeness, growth, and challenges. I have learned many things this year and I my heart has been strengthened. I should say- I am learning many things from the experiences of this year and know my heart is continuing being strengthened. I am grateful for our loving Father in Heaven who strengthens, blesses, cheers, and provides. Below are some pictures from 2010. (I can't find any pictures before March.)

This is a picture of a bridal bouquet I did the end of March for a sweet friend.

In April, Kristina and I went to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point. There were so many beautiful tulips and other flowers to see. If you love gardens and flowers this festival is worth your time and money.

In May we kicked off Taco Tuesday! From May until roughly mid-November Kristina and I along with random peeps who joined us celebrated Taco Tuesday every Tuesday.

Cinco de Mayo- Kristina and I partied that night with Dave and Kevin with these pretty, yummy drinks, hot tubbing, and playing threes.
In June, Heather (a sister of mine) married a sweet guy in the Salt Lake Temple. I had the honor of doing the flowers.

July- one of my most favorite holidays- Independence Day! I took Kristina to her first Freedom Festival Balloon Fest. This is worth getting up extra early on a summer morning.
In August I celebrated my 27th birthday with the Days of 27! This year was my golden birthday and needed to be celebrated with extra style!

The day after my birthday I had the opportunity to watch another good friend get married. This was another awesome day being in the temple with people that I love.

This last semester was one of my favorites! I especially enjoyed my cooking class. The above picture is some quail I prepared and roasted. One thing I learned- I like cooking way better than baking. Don't get me wrong I love cookies and cake and the likes that come from baking, but I love cooking more!

Halloween was great this year! I loved my costume!

Fall is my favorite. I particularly enjoyed the slightly warmer temps this last fall.

In early November, I cut 13 inches off my hair! This was a freeing experience and for the first time in awhile I am truly enjoying my hair. I don't think I will ever be where I can donate 13 inches again. I loved my length, but I knew it was time for a change.

Christmas was filled with awesomeness! I enjoyed the time relaxing and eating with family. I am truly surrounded my great people.

This is only some of the awesomeness that I experienced this year. I am looking forward to 2011 and know that only more awesomeness will be experienced. Bring it on! Masaya Ang Aking Puso :) Oh and I am excited that I blogged everyday of December even if it was just a small post.

A Mental/Body Health Day Accomplished

Temple

Today I went to the Mount Timpanogos Temple with Britta and Talisa. Temple experiences are personal and sacred so I will not be saying more than it was needed much to be there today and that I know God lives and is aware of me- He loves me and needs me to continue to do what He asks and I want to, because I love Him. Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)

"You are never lost when you can see the temple. The temple will provide direction for you and your family in a world filled with chaos. It is an eternal guidepost which will help you from getting lost in the 'mist of darkness.'"—Gary E. Stevenson

"The temple is the house of the Lord. The basis for every temple ordinance and covenant…is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church, point to the Lord and His holy house."—Russell M. Nelson

"I promise you that, with increased attendance in the temples of our God, you shall receive increased personal revelation to bless your life as you bless those who have died."—Ezra Taft Benson

"To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often. The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the gospel and a strengthened resolve to keep the commandments."—Thomas S. Monson

Savoring The Sweetness

Today I was reading more of Elder Neal A. Maxwell's talk titled "Patience". I recommend studying it along with President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk titled "Continue in Patience. " I have been studying, reading, and learning more about patience over the last several months in a new way. Elder Maxwell said, "I remember as a child going eagerly to the corner store for what we then called the "all-day sucker". It would not have lasted all day under the best of usage, but it could last quite awhile. The trick was to resist the temptation to bite into it, to learn to savor rather than to crunch and chew." He goes on to say, "in life, however, even patiently stretching out sweetness is sometimes not enough; in certain situations, enjoyment must actually be deferred. A patient willingness to defer dividends is a hallmark of individual maturity." Throughout his talk he discusses the "process of time", in the timetable of the Lord. I like this analogy of the "all-day sucker" and savoring the sweetness of the experience I am having and what I am waiting for- this is a season I need to savor. I am choosing to continue to trust the Lord and His timing for I know He has my best interest at heart. He is never early or late- His timing is perfect. Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

There is a random New Year's Eve song I like and since New Year's Eve is Friday and this is kind of on my mind- I thought I would share the lyrics. (Cowboy this one is for you ;)

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve

Maybe it's much too early in the game
Ah, but I thought I'd ask you just the same
What are you doing New Year's
New Year's Eve?
Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight
When it's exactly twelve o'clock that night
Welcoming in the New Year
New Year's Eve

Maybe I'm crazy to suppose
I'd ever be the one you chose
Out of a thousand invitations
You'd receive

Ah, but in case I stand one little chance
Here comes the jackpot question in advance
What are you doing New Year's
New Year's Eve?

Hope. Pagasa

hope

 noun, verb, hoped, hop·ing

.

–noun

1.

the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best

2.

a particular instance of this feeling

3.

grounds for this feeling in a particular instance

4.

a person or thing in which expectations are centered

5.

something that is hoped for

–verb (used with object)

6.

to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence.

7.

to believe, desire, or trust

–verb (used without object)

8.

to feel that something desired may happen

9.

Archaic . to place trust; rely (usually fol. by in ).

*Googled hope images and these are some that came up.

CHRISTmas 2010

This CHRISTmas has been awesome! Filled with family (cousins I haven't seen in ages and the surprise breakfast guest) testimonies of Christ, yummy yummy food, movies with sister, chillin in pajamas until mid-afternoon, laughing, surprises, and many others. I am so grateful for my family! I am grateful to our loving Heavenly Father for His many blessings, opportunities, and challenges. My faith has been and is being strengthened through them all. I am thankful for the CHRISTmas season where many many people come together to celebrate Him. I am grateful to know Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah, I know He suffered and died for me and that He now lives! He lives for me- for all of us! He like Our Father in Heaven know us completely. I will continue to do what They ask of me because I love Them. I trust Them. I am choosing to continue "God-ward" moving forward in God's way. Because I have more peace and happiness in His way than in any other way. Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)

A Favorite Tradition

Tonight we hosted our annual Alger chili and soup Christmas Eve Bash. It is one of my favorite traditions! The great grandkids are getting bigger every year and are a lot of fun! Are we loud? Oh yes! I am the "quiet one" in this group. I am so grateful for my family. Tonight I played Christmas bingo with the younger kids and they had a good time as did I. Even though it may get crazy and a little loud I love each one of them and enjoy when they come over to play. I am excited to see them continue to grow and what kind of people they will become.

Excited For The Next Two Days

I am excited for the next two days cause I get to spend some awesome time with these peeps! Relaxing, eating, and enjoying more of the Christmas spirit.

Life Lessons From A Snowman

I was going through a folder of Christmas stories I have and found this and thought I would share.

• each one of us is unique
• you are nothing without a creator
• when snowflakes pull together, they have a ball
• it takes a few extra "rolls" to make a good mid section
• we are all made up of mostly water
• it's ok to be a little bottom heavy
• stand firm when the heat is on and you will last longer
• don't get too much sun
• life is short, make memories today
• there's no stopping you once you are a roll
• take time to play with the children, soon they will be gone
• there's nothing better than a foul weather friend
• the difference between a smile and a frown is a few lumps
• smiles are contagious
• the key to life is to be a jolly, happy soul
• always try to roll with the punches
• even Frosty had bumpity, bump, bumps along his road
• when your life is falling apart, pray for a friend and snow
• wearing white is always appropriate
• wear warm mittens
• give thanks to those sharing their mittens, scarves, and hats
• don't say a word when they don't match exactly
• don't be afraid to put on a hat, it just might be magic
• let the good times roll
• you can feel most secure alone, with only the stars and moon
• it's fun to hang out in the front yard
• it's nice to get a hug especially when you're frozen
• love warms us from the inside out

Ang Sarap! Yummy Food + Awesome Company= A Happy Night

The Most Peaceful Place On Earth

I love the temple! This is the Manila temple. I had the opportunity to go a few times while I was in Manila seeing a doctor. It's late I'm tired after a long day. There is much to say about the temple, but do to tiredness and scattered thoughts I am just going to put the picture for now.

What Am I Offering Today?

Today I had the opportunity to speak in church. My topic came from last week's Music and the Spoken Word. Below is that message from last week's broadcast. I have come to really enjoy Music and the Spoken Word and try hard to make it part of my Sunday mornings. As I read this I thought of my heart awareness experiment and what it taught me and still does- after all my heart is still growing and being strengthened. I want my heart to be what God wants and I know that as I continue to serve Him and share His love, my heart will be want He wants. I enjoy studying and learning about the heart. I am grateful to know that the Lord knows my concerns, disappointments, and excitements fully and completely. I hope this Christmas season and all year I will continue to "choose that good part". I am grateful to know that the Lord does not dismiss my worries and at times troubled heart, but that He gently reminds me to "to choose that good part" to choose Him and that He will provide the rest and strength needed. Masaya Ang Aking Puso :) (My heart is happy).

"Christmas Offerings"
December 12, 2010 Broadcast #4239 Music and the Spoken Word


During this season we celebrate "peace on earth," yet some of us find it the most busy and stressful time of the year. We worry about decorations and decking the halls, gifts and gatherings--and the many other things we feel we need to do. And, very often, amid all the hustle and bustle, we have a quiet sense that we want to make our celebrations a little different, a little more meaningful than they have been in the past.

This year, rather than focusing on everything we need to do, let us consider what we can offer. Some offer talents in singing carols or playing musical instruments; others offer time as they visit loved ones and share memories of Christmases past. Some offer resources and labor, doing acts of service to help the less fortunate. No matter what our offerings are, if our intent this season is to make someone's life happier, Christmas will be for us a time of peace and joy.

Children teach us much about making heartfelt offerings. Not long ago, a little girl stood to tell her class some sad news. Her grandmother passed away, and as she related details, she became overcome with emotion. Not able to say anything more, she walked toward her chair. A little boy got up from his chair and sat down beside her. Filled with compassion and a desire to make her feel better, he gave her the only thing he had: a little toy that he had smuggled into class. He did not pause to wonder whether it was good enough. He simply and selflessly gave from the heart.

Something deep and meaningful happens within us when we make such offerings. We feel connected to those around us. We feel a love that we may not have known we had--the love of that babe in Bethlehem, whose pure offering, given so long ago, still fills the earth with "peace, [and] good will toward men" (Luke 2:14).

Let's Go Aggies!

Tonight I went to the USU vs UVU basketball game with Kristina and Melissa. We had a lot of fun cheering for our Aggies!

Marks Another

Six years ago today I opened my mission call! That was a big step in one of the biggest life changing experiences. I am so grateful I served a full-time mission and grateful for where I had the opportunity to serve. I learned many many things and continue to do so from that time. I have many friends I would not otherwise have, experiences, knowledge, and be where I am today without that experience.

Niceness

Today I logged into facebook and had a notice that I had a post from a sister whom I served with in the Philippines. This is what it said,

"What do you love about KJA? her testimony in the gospel of christ,i could remember when she bore her last testimony at the zone conference...she said...CTR does not just means choosing the right but for her it means continue to rescue...not stopping to find people whose in need of help."

Thank you is really all I can say. That's pretty awesome that she remembers that. I don't even remember what I said all I remember is that I was a little nervous and that it had to be in English and at that time expressing myself was a challenge. So, gusto kong bigayan ang pasalamat kay Sister Flores para sa kabaitaan niya. Salamat sister ang bait mo talaga! Kinalangan kong ito ngayon.

Lucky Foods

Today I read an interesting article called, "Lucky Foods for the New Year". I thought I would share what was listed.

• grapes- eat 12 for each sweet grape it represents a lucky month for each sour grape its said to represent a not-so-lucky one. This is a tradition out of Spain.
• hearty black-eyed peas- represent humility
• lentils-abundance in wealth
• circular foods- foods in a ring shape represent "things coming full circle"
• lucky coin bread- bake a coin in a loaf of bread the person who gets the coin in their slice will have good luck all year
• soba (buckwheat noodles)- represents longevity in the Far East, eating these noodles in Japan at midnight is a custom that stands for "from one year to another"
• coin shaped foods- wealth
• greens- because they look like "greenbacks"
• pork- because of its fat represents "rich in happiness"
• cornbread-"glories of gold"

Eating the soba in Japan at midnight I think is neat and the circular foods (hello doughnuts :) and pork may be my favorite. When I read the pork one I can't help, but think of the scripture found in 2 Nephi 9:51-52 "my soul delighth in fatness". I may just have to eat some of these on New Year's and start myself a new tradition.

Patterned Tights

I love love love patterned tights! I have always loved wearing tights. I know most girls and women don't- but I do! I have many pairs and look forward to the cooler weather so I can wear them. The above picture is one Mary and I took wearing some patterned tights. If you are not a tights girl- give them a try you may actually like them, especially now with all the different patterns and colors that are being made.