Best Moment of Peace of 2009

That moment during my Best Challenge of 2009 when I knew that everything was going to be okay.

(Technically, this wasn't actually my moment of peace, but what better way to illustrate what I'm saying than cute Josh just happy with his chocolate while his crazy brothers are running amok behind him?)

Best Blog/Conference

Best Blog: 2009 was the year that a lot of my friends started blogs. So, welcome to the blog-o-sphere, friends. I would name you, and take the time to link to you, but I would inevitably forget one, and also? I'm three "best of's" behind!

Best Conference: By default, Women's Conference wins. Now, what's fun about thousands of Mormon women invading BYU campus and cat-fighting over fudge? Ask a BYU student/faculty/staff member/administrator, and the honest answer will probably nothing. I, however, do not go within 100 yards of the bookstore. I hunker down with my mom, aunt, cousins, and friends in the Marriott Center, listen to uplifting talks, and eat candied almonds. Also, I usually go to lunch with some former coworkers.

Happy Easter

It's a beautiful day, as it should be today of all days! As I was preparing my Relief Society lesson, I found this video on mormon.org

"One of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so."



For more videos, see The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints youtube.com profile page: http://www.youtube.com/user/MormonMessages

So, Happy Easter! I hope you find joy in knowing that Jesus Christ lives and loves us, and because of these two reasons, eternal blessings can be ours.

Year of the Yurt

I went snowshoeing in the Uinta Mountains yesterday. Yes, you read that correctly. That's okay, I won't spite you your disbelief, because doing such a thing is completely out of character for me. But some people from church were going, and I remember going once a long time ago in the former life I refer to as Pre-Mission Existence. I have a vague recollection of enjoying it then so I decided to go.

I'm really grateful I did.

You see, I'm a wannabe outdoorsy person. I love spectacular breathtaking views, but I'm not always a fan of hiking to get to them. But with vistas such as these, I'm okay with it.

We had fresh snowfall on Friday night, so imagine the delight at having the sun come out amid the bluest sky I've ever seen. The snow was a perfect pristine powder and cushioned any spills I may have had quite nicely.

We hiked about a mile in from the trail head to this yurt. It is one of about a dozen or so found in the Utah's back country. The best part about it was the wood-burning stove that kept us warm when we weren't outside. We also had a potluck of hiking food, and one of our guides packed fixin's for dutch oven apple cobbler. It was perfect with a cup of hot cocoa.

After a short rest, a few of us headed back out to do some exploring. I know, even more out of character, right? But I was able to snap a few good shots.


Now, there were a few times when I wanted to (and once when I actually did) tell the group that I was going to head back, because my pesky joints were aching, and I really didn't believe that I could make it up any more hills. But they continually assured me that in just a few more yards, there were beautiful views, and that I could make it.

It must be the writer in me, but when I am surrounded by such grandeur, I can't help but wax philosphical or spiritual. When I did make it up to the hill, I realized that in a small way this is what my life is. 2008 was a year of thinking I couldn't make it up hills. I wasn't going to find a job, and I wasn't going to find a place to live. And just when I felt like not trying anymore, when it was too much to send out another resume, or call one more landlord's number, it was as though my Father in Heaven was standing at the top of the hill telling me, "I know that you don't want to, and I know that you can't see it from there, but if you want to come up just a little farther, there is an amazing view."

I'm really grateful I did. The best part of that hardship (and trust me, I'm super sore today) is that after testing my faith in making those really difficult decisions, life just doesn't seem too hard. I feel stronger and more able. Which, I think is really the point of it all.

A Christmas Story...

So once upon a time, the lovely princess got on her way to settle her religious financial score with the local religious leader. AS she walked up to her faithful steed, oh no! The lovely princess tripped and fell on the treacherous frozen snow. Not to be undone by the hardened precipitation, she regally rose to her feet and brushed herself off, and shook out the special bridle to help her faithful steed go. Off she went, settled scores, returned safely to the castle, and all was well.

The next morning, the lovely princess awoke, packed her things in preparation for a festive holiday visit with the king and queen, when the special bridle just refused to budge the steed. Not even the reserve bridle would work. With a magical and wondrous device called a cellular telephone, she rung up the king to ask for his sage wisdom. Luckily for the lovely princess, the king was wise and experienced in such matters, and offered his assistance. She took his advise and the faithful steed traveled once more.

The end, and Merry Christmas to all!

Translation: I fell on the way to my car for tithing settlement got my key wet, it froze my ignition overnight, and my dad told me to heat the key with a butane lighter. Worked like a dream!

Christmas with the Gilmores

Anyone who nows me knows how I love Gilmore Girls. Well, imagine my delight when I heard that this year's Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert would feature none other than Grandpa Gilmore himself, Edward Hermann.

Next, imagine my dismay when I forgot to register for the free ticket lottery. I didn't give up hope though, because I knew that if I wished for it hard enough, Santa Claus would give what I wanted for Christmas.

On Friday, one of my coworkers emailed to let me know she had two tickets AND reserved parking for the concert that night. It was a Christmas miracle!

As always, the choir was in rare form, and I was beyond excited when Richard Gilmore came out to do a dramatic reading of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and the touching circumstances that surrounded his penning of the classic carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." Not only was Edward Hermann brilliant, but I have tender feelings toward this particular carol as it is one of my father's favorites. I wish you could have been there. Phenomenal.

And then, I thought all my Christmas dreams came true as Mr. Hermann read the Nativity found in Luke Chapter 2. Then the choir ended the concert with their signature "Angels From Their Realms of Glory," complete with beautiful ballet dancers who had costumes that looked like angel wings. Glorious.

Maren:

Me:

Maren & Me:


Me frustrated that we couldn't find our way in the parking lot. Extra ironic because we had just watched that episode of Seinfeld. The urge to start yelling "Krrraaaaaaammmeeeerrrr" was almost more than we could take.


I was starting to get upset because we sat in the car for literally an hour before we even started moving. I just wanted some snacks!

Untitled

I don't have anything clever to say, or amusing videos to share. I'm sitting on my bed (where I have been all day, nursing a cold) and looking out my bedroom window, and I'm very grateful for my view. I really love my new home, and its location and its convenience. I simply couldn't ask for anything more. Well, I suppose I could as for the Magical Unpacking Fairies to come unpack my house, but I won't. I would love nothing more than to have my house be all done and decorated so I could post pictures on my blog and bask in the oohs and ahhs I'd be sure to receive in the comments, but until then, I am happy and safe and remarkably blessed.