I LOVE this book SO SO SO Much!!! So turns out, a penny can make your dreams come true. :)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
One Penny
So I normally don't like keeping change. I sometimes feel like I'll never get enough pennies to really buy anything. BUT look what I got on amazon for 1 PENNY!
I LOVE this book SO SO SO Much!!! So turns out, a penny can make your dreams come true. :)
I LOVE this book SO SO SO Much!!! So turns out, a penny can make your dreams come true. :)
Halo
Last year in Noteworthy we watched a lot of youtube videos of Beyonce, trying to channel her emotion, grace, and beauty on stage. I found this video the other day, and can't stop watching it. Seriously. You should watch it.
Beyoncé - Halo (Live From Wynn Las Vegas)
Monday, October 25, 2010
Here's To You...
Dear Chelsee,
My little sister and idol. I look up to you, and your spunkiness (is that a word? well it is now), and your positive attitude-ness, and your smiley-ness, and your over-achieverness, and your stubbornness, and your college-ness, and your good-graded ness, and your determination-ness, and your driving of Gloria-ness, and your kind hearted-ness, and your beautiful-ness, and your flirty-ness, and your blondeness, and your cookie baking-ness, and love of life-ness, and your chewsee-ness, and your cleverness, and your quick witted-ness, and your collection of purses-ness, and your giggle-ness, and your steal-my-clothes-ness, and your letting-me-steal-yours-ness, and your strong testimony-ness, and mostly right now your creativity--ness. Thanks for letting me be apart of your world. Love you.
My little sister and idol. I look up to you, and your spunkiness (is that a word? well it is now), and your positive attitude-ness, and your smiley-ness, and your over-achieverness, and your stubbornness, and your college-ness, and your good-graded ness, and your determination-ness, and your driving of Gloria-ness, and your kind hearted-ness, and your beautiful-ness, and your flirty-ness, and your blondeness, and your cookie baking-ness, and love of life-ness, and your chewsee-ness, and your cleverness, and your quick witted-ness, and your collection of purses-ness, and your giggle-ness, and your steal-my-clothes-ness, and your letting-me-steal-yours-ness, and your strong testimony-ness, and mostly right now your creativity--ness. Thanks for letting me be apart of your world. Love you.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Sorry Girls, He's ALL Mine....
So a special occasion requires two posts today...I have the cutest, sweetest, nicest husband in the history of forever. When he got home from work on Wednesday look what he brought me...
I just love you! Thanks for making me feel special every. single. day. :)
A Simple Question...But why are all the pigeons still here? (Please say this to yourself as if you were Cap'n Jack Sparrow, you won't be disappointed)
So there's one thing that I believe is a sure science. Birds migrate when it gets cold, right? So naturally you wouldn't expect to see birds in October in NY, except pigeons are ridiculous and they don't have brains apparently...because they're ALL still here. Oh the joys of having to walk UNDERNEATH a bridge that houses hundreds of these birds when I walk home from the grocery store. It really is like dodging bullets, and I'm in constant fear as I cling to my bags of vegetables and baking supplies, or at least that's how it felt when I walked home on Tuesday. So my question is, WHY in heavens name can't pigeons be normal birds and MIGRATE?! Especially because I think pigeons really do have it out for me, come to think of it seagulls too...
A Pigeon Story :
Last summer I was waiting for my two besties, Haley and Diana to come and see me. Finally they got their flights, packed their bags, and hopped on a plane bound for NYC. I was working the day they arrived but they decided to come meet me in the city for lunch. We decided to meet in Times Square outside of the M&M factory. So I'm standing on the crowded street trying to find a square inch that isn't oozing with tourists and finally I find a plot of sidewalk to park my two little feet. So I'm standing, minding my business, when I feel something on my head, and then I hear laughter, and then I touch my head and immediately regret that fateful decision, for you see I was standing under a light post, a very bad decision in NYC and one that of course only I, a new New Yorker, would make. Only one thought went through my mind. PIGEON. POOP. ON. MY. HEAD. And then I registered the laughing behind me, seriously? Two guys sitting INSIDE the M&M store are dying, clutching their sides and gasping for air. So I did what any normal, embarrassed, tourist would do, I grabbed a napkin wiped it out as best I could (DISGUSTING, I KNOW) and waited for my friends, who were across the street and happened to see the whole thing, which only makes the story better. And here's the kicker, I had to go back to work with leftover pigeon poop in my hair. And here's the DOUBLE kicker...it wasn't the first time a bird had pooped on me...
A Seagull Story:
Study Abroad 2008. What a blissfull experience that entire trip was. Well almost entirely. While in Italy we were able to take a ferry and visit the Island of Capri. It was so gorgeous with its' rocky cliffs and ship filled harbor. The ferry ride was only 40 minutes but it was enough time to make us girls anxious to get to the island and start exploring. We finally docked and piled off the boat. One of the girls in my group looked up and noticed hundreds of seagulls flying 50 feet above us. She said "Oh I hope I don't get pooed on." The same thought went through my head, only I didn't realize that birds seriously hate me. Ten feet down the dock a bomb drops on my arm and my arm starts to sting. (I mean come on from 50' above me that stuff was traveling FAST!) I looked at my arm, registered what had happened and started freaking out like a girl. Luckily an angel, Brianna, looked at me and faster than the speed of light whipped out some "Wet-Ones" from her purse and wiped my arm off. And with a smile said, "Oh I always carry these, just in case." What a saint! So if you're ever anywhere close to birds and me at the same time, seriously watch out, they have it out for me.
"The Secret to Creativity is Knowing how to Hide Your Sources" Albert Einstein
So I've been thinking a lot about the word create. I feel like we live in a consumer driven society always buying more, working harder so we can buy more, and always always wanting more, and there's no such thing as patience. (Oh my I will definitely be writing about the pace of life in NYC...so different from the West...no one has any patience, whatsoever) If it doesn't come fast, then we don't want it. {Why do we think 1 out of every 3 children in the United States are considered overweight or obese--fast food-but that is definitely a whole other post as well} Sorry for so many tangents...I feel like I get caught up in this cycle, a lot. Instead of having the need to create things I feel I need to consume them whether that be a pair of boots (and by consume I mean buy, I don't think leather boots would taste very good), delicious food etc...So I've decided I want to be more creative and make things rather than buy them. I always tell myself that I wasn't blessed with the creative gene, but I'm trying to convince myself that I can be anything I want to be, thus I want to learn to be more creative. For me, because I'm slightly creatively challenged, this means making goals and having deadlines. I don't necessarily get super excited about the process of creation (i.e. cooking, crafting, baking etc) but I know I'm always thrilled with the result. And it also requires me to blog stalk and creatively decide who's ideas I want to use. {Ok so maybe that's not creating, or creative, but I have to start somewhere right?} And unlike Mr. Albert Einstein, I can't take credit for others wonderful ideas...so I'm going to share some ideas I've found that I want to create! First, BAKING:
While blog stalking Pioneer Woman (LOVE HER!) I came across this recipe...it seriously jumped off the page it looks so delicious!
Moist Pumpkin Spice Muffins (With Cream Cheese Frosting) -thank you Pioneer Woman! Here's her beautiful picture...I hope mine turn out just as lovely...
And since I can't seem to get enough pumpkin dessert (thanks a lot noteworthy--for your viewing pleasure
--just as a side note there were like 2 months where nearly every night we'd gather at amy's and make some sort of pumpkin concoction...we were addicted) here's another Pumpkin Muffins Recipe I found with the frosting inside.(Video from Courtney Jensen Facebook page...which means yes you definitely want to watch it)
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins they're from a new baking site I found called Annie's Eats. You should go there, you won't be disappointed.
And now onto COOKING and something that I have recently created...
As the leaves change colors and the cool weather insists on staying, soup always sounds so appealing. My sister in law Annaliese gave me a fabulous recipe for Tortilla Soup. One that Michael and I enjoy frequently.
Tortilla Soup:
1 tbs olive oil
4 garlic cloves, smashed or minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 cans diced tomatoes in juice
2 cans black beans rinsed and drained
1 can reduced-sodium chicken broth (you can use any chicken broth)
1 package (or canned) corn
salt and pepper
fresh lime juice
what annaliese added:
cilantro (however much you want)
1 tbs cumin
shredded chicken
what i added:
1 tsp taco seasoning
1 lb. ground beef (cooked with onions and garlic at the beginning) (in place of chicken)
beef broth in place of chicken broth
In large saucepan cook garlic and chili powder until fragrant, about 1
minute add ground beef and cook until done, drain; add tomatoes (with juice), beans, broth, corn & 1 cup water, cumin;
season with salt and pepper.
Bring soup to boil; reduce to simmer, for about 5 minutes, {this is when annaliese added the chicken}, add cilantro & lime juice. Serve.
This soup is super easy to make and tastes delicious when the weather outside gets frightful...haha ok, but seriously it really is delicious.
Next we must enter the world of CRAFTING
My ward in New York is seriously fabulous. We have knitting group, yes a group where anyone who wants to come, can come and knit. It's seriously great. So a couple weeks ago I learned the basic knitting stitch, I don't even know if it's called a stitch but anywho....I'm busying perfecting this...I'm not really making anything in particular just yet, but I hope to get better. My ultimate goal is to make some scarves, a neck warmer and a cute hat, and maybe if I'm really daring some gloves. Like these....
So yes I have very lofty goals...pie in the sky goals....but I can do it! However, this could take a couple years and the weather is already cooling down so I might need to take a trip to China town and barter for a hat to keep my head warm. {Perks to living in NYC~Why pay full price for anything, just go to China town~I don't recommend this for all things, however} One sister in the ward is super professional...she seriously is the knitting goddess...she started a site on etsy with her suuuper cute knit hats! You MUST see them...so click here, or here, or here because seriously they're just that cute!
What a shame to admit but I've never really been a big fan of Halloween. I don't like scary movies and it stresses me out trying to come up with a creative/fun/cute costume. I normally don't decorate, and I honestly usually remember Halloween is coming on October 30. This year however I decided that I want to decorate for Halloween, but not in a cheesy, scary, or ghosts and goblins way. While blog stalking I found this cute autumn wreath on my friend Shayla's blog.
Super cute and classy right? I LOVE it and I really want to make one. I'm hoping I have time this weekend! Shayla said all you need is a basic Michael's twig wreath, some small decorative pumpkins, festive Halloween ribbon, and a hot glue gun. I will be investing in a hot glue gun Friday, so excited! So here's to learning to be more creative...if you come across any other fun/cute ideas, let me know! thanks :)
While blog stalking Pioneer Woman (LOVE HER!) I came across this recipe...it seriously jumped off the page it looks so delicious!
Moist Pumpkin Spice Muffins (With Cream Cheese Frosting) -thank you Pioneer Woman! Here's her beautiful picture...I hope mine turn out just as lovely...
And since I can't seem to get enough pumpkin dessert (thanks a lot noteworthy--for your viewing pleasure
--just as a side note there were like 2 months where nearly every night we'd gather at amy's and make some sort of pumpkin concoction...we were addicted) here's another Pumpkin Muffins Recipe I found with the frosting inside.(Video from Courtney Jensen Facebook page...which means yes you definitely want to watch it)
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins they're from a new baking site I found called Annie's Eats. You should go there, you won't be disappointed.
As the leaves change colors and the cool weather insists on staying, soup always sounds so appealing. My sister in law Annaliese gave me a fabulous recipe for Tortilla Soup. One that Michael and I enjoy frequently.
Tortilla Soup:
1 tbs olive oil
4 garlic cloves, smashed or minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 cans diced tomatoes in juice
2 cans black beans rinsed and drained
1 can reduced-sodium chicken broth (you can use any chicken broth)
1 package (or canned) corn
salt and pepper
fresh lime juice
what annaliese added:
cilantro (however much you want)
1 tbs cumin
shredded chicken
what i added:
1 tsp taco seasoning
1 lb. ground beef (cooked with onions and garlic at the beginning) (in place of chicken)
beef broth in place of chicken broth
In large saucepan cook garlic and chili powder until fragrant, about 1
minute add ground beef and cook until done, drain; add tomatoes (with juice), beans, broth, corn & 1 cup water, cumin;
season with salt and pepper.
Bring soup to boil; reduce to simmer, for about 5 minutes, {this is when annaliese added the chicken}, add cilantro & lime juice. Serve.
This soup is super easy to make and tastes delicious when the weather outside gets frightful...haha ok, but seriously it really is delicious.
Next we must enter the world of CRAFTING
My ward in New York is seriously fabulous. We have knitting group, yes a group where anyone who wants to come, can come and knit. It's seriously great. So a couple weeks ago I learned the basic knitting stitch, I don't even know if it's called a stitch but anywho....I'm busying perfecting this...I'm not really making anything in particular just yet, but I hope to get better. My ultimate goal is to make some scarves, a neck warmer and a cute hat, and maybe if I'm really daring some gloves. Like these....
are you kidding me right now...how cute are these?!
I'm sorry but how cute is that?!
and this...
(probably not this color...)
What a shame to admit but I've never really been a big fan of Halloween. I don't like scary movies and it stresses me out trying to come up with a creative/fun/cute costume. I normally don't decorate, and I honestly usually remember Halloween is coming on October 30. This year however I decided that I want to decorate for Halloween, but not in a cheesy, scary, or ghosts and goblins way. While blog stalking I found this cute autumn wreath on my friend Shayla's blog.
Super cute and classy right? I LOVE it and I really want to make one. I'm hoping I have time this weekend! Shayla said all you need is a basic Michael's twig wreath, some small decorative pumpkins, festive Halloween ribbon, and a hot glue gun. I will be investing in a hot glue gun Friday, so excited! So here's to learning to be more creative...if you come across any other fun/cute ideas, let me know! thanks :)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Here's to Friends, my AMAZING hubby and a seriously fun BIRTHDAY weekend in NYC!
This past weekend was so fun. My Birthday was on Saturday and my husband and friends definitely spoiled me! I'll try and infuse this post with as much fun and excitement as I had/felt this weekend. When Michael and I moved out here we told everyone to come visit us (preferably not at the same time haha), and we would offer them a free place to stay, our living room floor on an air mattress, haha I mean at least it's free right? My good friends Spencer Minnick and Brian Booth
are the only ones who've taken us up on the offer (SO FAR!) Spencer and Brian arrived at 1:30 am Friday morning. (Yes Michael did let them in and I continued to sleep...oops...Love you babe!) Friday, Michael and I went to work, and Brian and Spence played in the city. We met them for dinner on restaurant row
and then off to....In the Heights with Jordin Sparks! (Where Spencer was convinced if he could just be alone with Jordin for five minutes she would quite obviously realize she was in love with him and then she would kiss him, hahaha) Boy did he convince us, it happened! ...Ok maybe not quite. :)
The show was fabulous! (as usual) If you haven't seen or heard of In the Heights you must experience the music, it really is a fantastic show! After the show we went to Magnolia's, yummy!
But we had ice-box cake in honor of my birthday, and it was absolutely delicious! (How could it not be? I mean look at this thing!)
By the time we got home Friday night Brian's eyes were completely bloodshot from lack of sleep, and Spencer sounded like a broken record "Happy Birthday Siri!" (I think he was so tired that he couldn't think of anything else to say) :) Michael and I were coming down from the the ice-box cake sugar high and were ready to crash! Needless to say everyone slept in late Saturday morning, I LOVE sleep. :) For breakfast we introduced Spencer and Brian to Astoria Bagels, seriously best bagels ever, they're the size of your head and when they're warm they melt in your mouth. Delish! (I'm beginning to realize this weekend centered around food and musicals, but aren't those always the best weekends anyway?) After the late breakfast we quickly ran (literally), caught the train to Midtown and proceeded to the Wicked lottery, where we were five minutes late. Oh well, we decided to try again later. We met up with Heidi Gainer (what the coincidence, she was in town too!!!) We all proceeded to Central Park where we rented row boats and hung out on the lake. It was seriously so much fun! As you can see....
After Central Park we met up with one of Brian's friends, Sarah Alanis, who's nannying for a family north of the city, and we all went to Serendipity for Frozen Hot Chocolates! There was a 2 hr wait, {yes seriously, even though it was only 60 degrees outside}Spencer convinced all of us that, yes, the Frozen Hot Chocolate was definitely worth the wait, and then we realized we hadn't eaten lunch yet so we went for pizza across the street, and came back.
And boy was Spencer right! Yes indeed Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate deserves every ounce of fame they've been given, absolutely amazing! After eating our fill of frozen hot chocolates we ran to the Wicked lottery again, fingers crossed, hoping we could get the 3 in our group who hadn't seen the show, in! After about 6 or so names they called Sarah Alanis! At this point, I didn't know Sarah's last name, so my first thought was, "Oh dang it, that's so close to Siri Alemany!" And then everyone in our group started cheering and it dawned on me! Woo hoo!!!! Our friend Sarah just won two tickets! YAY! And then two names later....Michael Alemany! (Are you kidding me?! Two people in our group!!! Woo hoo!!!) So Spencer, Brian, Sarah and Heidi all went to see the WICKED and we were so excited for them, and they were excited for themselves too! :D
(kind of like In-n-Out for New Yorkers, only yummier yes for reals, (wow diet is definitely starting today, I ate horribly this weekend...haha!) We grabbed our food quickly and then made it to the 8:10 showing of the new movie "Red" with Morgan Freeman and Bruce Willis. That was definitely the only thing that wasn't great this weekend, we both hated the movie. There was no plot, just mindless blowing up, terrible dialogue and a really awkward crazy guy. So we do not recommend it, at all. We wanted to see Wall Street but it didn't start until 9:40, and that definitely would not have worked with 9am church! So we hated the movie, but the rest of the weekend was so wonderful! Thanks Brian and Spencer for coming to visit us! We had so much fun! And Michael thanks for spoiling me on my Birthday! I got a new coat and In the Heights Tickets! YAY! I love you babe!
are the only ones who've taken us up on the offer (SO FAR!) Spencer and Brian arrived at 1:30 am Friday morning. (Yes Michael did let them in and I continued to sleep...oops...Love you babe!) Friday, Michael and I went to work, and Brian and Spence played in the city. We met them for dinner on restaurant row
and then off to....In the Heights with Jordin Sparks! (Where Spencer was convinced if he could just be alone with Jordin for five minutes she would quite obviously realize she was in love with him and then she would kiss him, hahaha) Boy did he convince us, it happened! ...Ok maybe not quite. :)
The show was fabulous! (as usual) If you haven't seen or heard of In the Heights you must experience the music, it really is a fantastic show! After the show we went to Magnolia's, yummy!
They're famous for their light and fluffy cupcakes...
But we had ice-box cake in honor of my birthday, and it was absolutely delicious! (How could it not be? I mean look at this thing!)
this one too...photo credit (i admire you people)
By the time we got home Friday night Brian's eyes were completely bloodshot from lack of sleep, and Spencer sounded like a broken record "Happy Birthday Siri!" (I think he was so tired that he couldn't think of anything else to say) :) Michael and I were coming down from the the ice-box cake sugar high and were ready to crash! Needless to say everyone slept in late Saturday morning, I LOVE sleep. :) For breakfast we introduced Spencer and Brian to Astoria Bagels, seriously best bagels ever, they're the size of your head and when they're warm they melt in your mouth. Delish! (I'm beginning to realize this weekend centered around food and musicals, but aren't those always the best weekends anyway?) After the late breakfast we quickly ran (literally), caught the train to Midtown and proceeded to the Wicked lottery, where we were five minutes late. Oh well, we decided to try again later. We met up with Heidi Gainer (what the coincidence, she was in town too!!!) We all proceeded to Central Park where we rented row boats and hung out on the lake. It was seriously so much fun! As you can see....
Love...
My amazingly attractive husband
Captain Spencer ordering his rowers...
Me rowing
Beautiful bridge in Central Park...
Expensive apartment building...lovely
New York City
After Central Park we met up with one of Brian's friends, Sarah Alanis, who's nannying for a family north of the city, and we all went to Serendipity for Frozen Hot Chocolates! There was a 2 hr wait, {yes seriously, even though it was only 60 degrees outside}Spencer convinced all of us that, yes, the Frozen Hot Chocolate was definitely worth the wait, and then we realized we hadn't eaten lunch yet so we went for pizza across the street, and came back.
Delish!
Yummy!
MMMMM......
And boy was Spencer right! Yes indeed Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate deserves every ounce of fame they've been given, absolutely amazing! After eating our fill of frozen hot chocolates we ran to the Wicked lottery again, fingers crossed, hoping we could get the 3 in our group who hadn't seen the show, in! After about 6 or so names they called Sarah Alanis! At this point, I didn't know Sarah's last name, so my first thought was, "Oh dang it, that's so close to Siri Alemany!" And then everyone in our group started cheering and it dawned on me! Woo hoo!!!! Our friend Sarah just won two tickets! YAY! And then two names later....Michael Alemany! (Are you kidding me?! Two people in our group!!! Woo hoo!!!) So Spencer, Brian, Sarah and Heidi all went to see the WICKED and we were so excited for them, and they were excited for themselves too! :D
The winners of the Wicked lottery!
All the Alta-ites in NYC
Michael and I went to dinner at the Shake Shack...
ps on my list of things to do is take a photography class...so someday i can photograph juicy looking burgers and make them look this good...anyway....you can see why we enjoyed dinner and i forgot to take pictures...i mean yummy right? oh and pps..we only got the single burgers...a lot more healthy right?
(kind of like In-n-Out for New Yorkers, only yummier yes for reals, (wow diet is definitely starting today, I ate horribly this weekend...haha!) We grabbed our food quickly and then made it to the 8:10 showing of the new movie "Red" with Morgan Freeman and Bruce Willis. That was definitely the only thing that wasn't great this weekend, we both hated the movie. There was no plot, just mindless blowing up, terrible dialogue and a really awkward crazy guy. So we do not recommend it, at all. We wanted to see Wall Street but it didn't start until 9:40, and that definitely would not have worked with 9am church! So we hated the movie, but the rest of the weekend was so wonderful! Thanks Brian and Spencer for coming to visit us! We had so much fun! And Michael thanks for spoiling me on my Birthday! I got a new coat and In the Heights Tickets! YAY! I love you babe!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Two Years Ago, Today
October 19, 2008
The day I gave a talk in church, known as a "Mission Farewell." The day when all my family from all over had come to Utah to hear me speak. The day I bore my testimony about my Savior, and what we can do to gain a firmer testimony of Him and His mission. The day I sang one of my very favorite hymns, "How Great Thou Art" in praise of my Lord, and my King. The day I said "good-bye" to my friends and family members. The day when I was posed with the hardest question I've ever had to answer, from the person that I now love more than anything in the world. (I loved him then too, I just didn't know how much, the answer clued me in).
"Siri, if I promise you forever, will you stay home?"
I didn't answer right away. I knew I needed time to think, and time was something I really didn't have a lot of. We were sitting in front of the Draper Temple looking at a gorgeous sunset. I thought back on the morning, speaking in church, being so certain of my future, when Germany had seemed so real, so close, just a mere 3 1/2 weeks away, I could almost smell the bratwurst and taste the chocolate. I could imagine the rich German language rolling off my tongue. I had been studying German for years now. I knew how to introduce myself, how to bear my testimony, how to ask for directions and a bathroom. I had all the important stuff down. I was ready. Now, one simple (or not so simple) question could change the course of the rest of my life. Literally, the rest of my life and Eternity. So what was I going to do? I went home that night and cried in my mom's lap for 2 hrs. We talked, we cried, we laughed and cried some more. I had wanted to serve a mission ever since I was a little girl and really understood what a mission was. It was no surprise to friends and family when I turned my mission papers in, I had been planning on it for years.I yearned to share the source of my happiness with the German people. The funny thing about plans is, they change. And then the realization hit me, I had no idea what I was going to do. I went to the temple for the next couple days, prayed, talked to my parents, talked to a few close friends, prayed and cried. You think I'm joking, but seriously, the tear ducts were overflowing. I learned some incredible lessons that week. What it means to have an answer to your prayers, but more importantly the process of receiving answers to prayers. I realized that the Lord wouldn't hand me my answer on a silver platter. That's not how prayer works. I realized that if I wanted an answer, I needed to make a decision. Great. Back to square one. That was the whole problem, I was afraid of the decision I knew that I wanted. Afraid because I already had one foot out the door and in the MTC. Afraid because I had spoken to my ward, my family and many friends and said goodbye. Afraid because many wonderful people to whom I will be forever grateful, had donated quite a bit of financial support to my mission fund. Afraid because of what my Dad might think or say. Afraid, because how do you make the right decision, when both seem good? And that was the problem. I was afraid. I asked my mom what she would do. And then she laughed. I did too, because I realized that she was faced with the same question 26 years before when she had her mission call, and when she was already in the MTC (nice timing Patcha) and she made the decision to stay at the MTC and continue onto Korea. So naturally I thought I'd hear her say, Siri just go, he can wait, but my dear, wonderful mother said "Siri, make the decision that will make you the happiest, because these are both good things, the Lord will be happy with whatever you choose." And I knew she was right. I was at the Jordan River Temple, standing in the Celestial room, when with tear-filled eyes I somewhat reluctantly told the Lord my decision. "I want to stay home, because I love Michael and I want to be his wife, and I don't think it would be fair to serve the people in Germany when my whole heart is waiting for me in Provo." A smile immediately broke out on my face and I knew I'd made the right decision, the right decision for me. It definitely was not the easiest decision, by any stretch of the imagination. (Reasons will follow). After I made the decision, and had the Spirit confirm it was the right one, there was only one person I wanted to see, obviously. So I left the temple ran to my car, called my Mom and said, "Hey, I'm going to Provo." She said with a smile in her voice, "So, what's the decision." I smiled back and replied, "Um it's pretty obvious, right?" And I quickly followed that with, "Don't tell Dad yet, I need to be the one to tell him." The smile left her voice and she said, "I know." Dad was out of town on business and wouldn't be back for another 3 days. So I had a little bit of time to think of what to say to him. I drove to Provo as fast as the law would let me, called Michael and said, "Can we talk." I showed up at his apartment and he let me in, visibly nervous. We sat on the couch, and with the most impeccable timing ever Michael's roommate Karl comes bounding down the stairs and says, "Hey Michael, do you have any AA batteries? My calculator just died." I started laughing so hard, how could that moment have been any more perfect? I mean we're just about to have the biggest moment of our lives here, no big deal. After Karl left I looked at Michael and said, "I've made my decision, I'm going to stay home, because I love you and I can't imagine leaving you, and I want to be your wife." We were both smiling and couldn't stop. We talked the rest of the night, making plans, and decisions, when, where, etc etc. And then I told him, "I still haven't told my dad yet." His reply, "Oh." Me, "Yeah...could be interesting." We decided that trying to wait until he got home from his business trip would be a bad idea. So I decided to call him. We were going over to TJ and Annaliese's to hang out with them so I told Michael to go in and I would call my dad and be in soon. Or not so soon. I need to preface this with explaining why telling my dad was such a big deal. 1) I'm his first daughter 2) All he ever wanted for me was to not be a teenage bride, to serve a mission, gain life experience, and to marry in the temple 3) He loves me more than I can even comprehend and he only wants the very best for me. Now was that really too much to ask? Our phone call was a lot shorter than I thought it would be. It was tense, and I cried. I told my dad that I'd decided to stay home and he told me that it was not the decision he would've made, but I was going to do what I wanted anyway. I told him that yes he was right, I was going to do what I wanted, and what I wanted was to marry Michael. (My Dad and I are a lot alike, very stubborn and determined). After that, I hung up. I cried some more. I knew he would come around, but the fact that he wasn't immediately excited, hurt. Now I need to say that my dad is my Hero. We've always had a special relationship, I've always been Daddy's little girl. I look up to him in so many ways, and I'm so proud of Him. He's apologized to me profusely, about that phone call. And I've told him that it seriously is totally fine, many many times. He loves Michael and knows that I made the right decision in a husband and at the right time, now when they're on the phone I get cut out of the conversation because they talk business and my brain tunes out, not on purpose...but they're really good friends and they respect each other greatly. Sometimes decisions can be hard, especially when it affects not only you but people around you. For awhile there were some people calling Michael, "mission-killer" I definitely did not appreciate that. I was grateful that he had the courage to ask the question, let alone put up with all the crap he got about it. I had many people ask me how I could stay home? Why I would want to? I hope this story helps clear up the question. When I decided to stay home I honestly never once felt guilty, or ashamed or even sad that I wasn't going to go to Germany, I felt completely at peace, because I knew that I was making the right decision for me. Michael and I were starting an eternal family, and yes it was a good decision. What I've realized since answering that question, staying home, being married and moving away from Utah, is that missionary work is so much broader than being called on a full-time mission. Michael and I have had some incredible missionary experiences in NY already. We also had the opportunity to share the gospel with two couples while we were on our honeymoon. I've also realized that I am serving a mission, I just don't have a name tag. Looking back on the experience 2 years later, it's amazing to think I could have chosen something completely different. It panics me sometimes to think that I almost did, not that the mission would have been a bad experience, because I am absolutely sure it would have been wonderful, but because I can't imagine living my life without Michael. He is my best friend, my confidante, my cuddle buddy, my McFlurry provider :), and the love of my life. He is so many more things to me, and Michael I just want to say, I love you more than anything, thank you for having the courage to ask the most important question I've ever had to answer. I'm so excited to spend eternity with you.
The day I gave a talk in church, known as a "Mission Farewell." The day when all my family from all over had come to Utah to hear me speak. The day I bore my testimony about my Savior, and what we can do to gain a firmer testimony of Him and His mission. The day I sang one of my very favorite hymns, "How Great Thou Art" in praise of my Lord, and my King. The day I said "good-bye" to my friends and family members. The day when I was posed with the hardest question I've ever had to answer, from the person that I now love more than anything in the world. (I loved him then too, I just didn't know how much, the answer clued me in).
"Siri, if I promise you forever, will you stay home?"
I didn't answer right away. I knew I needed time to think, and time was something I really didn't have a lot of. We were sitting in front of the Draper Temple looking at a gorgeous sunset. I thought back on the morning, speaking in church, being so certain of my future, when Germany had seemed so real, so close, just a mere 3 1/2 weeks away, I could almost smell the bratwurst and taste the chocolate. I could imagine the rich German language rolling off my tongue. I had been studying German for years now. I knew how to introduce myself, how to bear my testimony, how to ask for directions and a bathroom. I had all the important stuff down. I was ready. Now, one simple (or not so simple) question could change the course of the rest of my life. Literally, the rest of my life and Eternity. So what was I going to do? I went home that night and cried in my mom's lap for 2 hrs. We talked, we cried, we laughed and cried some more. I had wanted to serve a mission ever since I was a little girl and really understood what a mission was. It was no surprise to friends and family when I turned my mission papers in, I had been planning on it for years.I yearned to share the source of my happiness with the German people. The funny thing about plans is, they change. And then the realization hit me, I had no idea what I was going to do. I went to the temple for the next couple days, prayed, talked to my parents, talked to a few close friends, prayed and cried. You think I'm joking, but seriously, the tear ducts were overflowing. I learned some incredible lessons that week. What it means to have an answer to your prayers, but more importantly the process of receiving answers to prayers. I realized that the Lord wouldn't hand me my answer on a silver platter. That's not how prayer works. I realized that if I wanted an answer, I needed to make a decision. Great. Back to square one. That was the whole problem, I was afraid of the decision I knew that I wanted. Afraid because I already had one foot out the door and in the MTC. Afraid because I had spoken to my ward, my family and many friends and said goodbye. Afraid because many wonderful people to whom I will be forever grateful, had donated quite a bit of financial support to my mission fund. Afraid because of what my Dad might think or say. Afraid, because how do you make the right decision, when both seem good? And that was the problem. I was afraid. I asked my mom what she would do. And then she laughed. I did too, because I realized that she was faced with the same question 26 years before when she had her mission call, and when she was already in the MTC (nice timing Patcha) and she made the decision to stay at the MTC and continue onto Korea. So naturally I thought I'd hear her say, Siri just go, he can wait, but my dear, wonderful mother said "Siri, make the decision that will make you the happiest, because these are both good things, the Lord will be happy with whatever you choose." And I knew she was right. I was at the Jordan River Temple, standing in the Celestial room, when with tear-filled eyes I somewhat reluctantly told the Lord my decision. "I want to stay home, because I love Michael and I want to be his wife, and I don't think it would be fair to serve the people in Germany when my whole heart is waiting for me in Provo." A smile immediately broke out on my face and I knew I'd made the right decision, the right decision for me. It definitely was not the easiest decision, by any stretch of the imagination. (Reasons will follow). After I made the decision, and had the Spirit confirm it was the right one, there was only one person I wanted to see, obviously. So I left the temple ran to my car, called my Mom and said, "Hey, I'm going to Provo." She said with a smile in her voice, "So, what's the decision." I smiled back and replied, "Um it's pretty obvious, right?" And I quickly followed that with, "Don't tell Dad yet, I need to be the one to tell him." The smile left her voice and she said, "I know." Dad was out of town on business and wouldn't be back for another 3 days. So I had a little bit of time to think of what to say to him. I drove to Provo as fast as the law would let me, called Michael and said, "Can we talk." I showed up at his apartment and he let me in, visibly nervous. We sat on the couch, and with the most impeccable timing ever Michael's roommate Karl comes bounding down the stairs and says, "Hey Michael, do you have any AA batteries? My calculator just died." I started laughing so hard, how could that moment have been any more perfect? I mean we're just about to have the biggest moment of our lives here, no big deal. After Karl left I looked at Michael and said, "I've made my decision, I'm going to stay home, because I love you and I can't imagine leaving you, and I want to be your wife." We were both smiling and couldn't stop. We talked the rest of the night, making plans, and decisions, when, where, etc etc. And then I told him, "I still haven't told my dad yet." His reply, "Oh." Me, "Yeah...could be interesting." We decided that trying to wait until he got home from his business trip would be a bad idea. So I decided to call him. We were going over to TJ and Annaliese's to hang out with them so I told Michael to go in and I would call my dad and be in soon. Or not so soon. I need to preface this with explaining why telling my dad was such a big deal. 1) I'm his first daughter 2) All he ever wanted for me was to not be a teenage bride, to serve a mission, gain life experience, and to marry in the temple 3) He loves me more than I can even comprehend and he only wants the very best for me. Now was that really too much to ask? Our phone call was a lot shorter than I thought it would be. It was tense, and I cried. I told my dad that I'd decided to stay home and he told me that it was not the decision he would've made, but I was going to do what I wanted anyway. I told him that yes he was right, I was going to do what I wanted, and what I wanted was to marry Michael. (My Dad and I are a lot alike, very stubborn and determined). After that, I hung up. I cried some more. I knew he would come around, but the fact that he wasn't immediately excited, hurt. Now I need to say that my dad is my Hero. We've always had a special relationship, I've always been Daddy's little girl. I look up to him in so many ways, and I'm so proud of Him. He's apologized to me profusely, about that phone call. And I've told him that it seriously is totally fine, many many times. He loves Michael and knows that I made the right decision in a husband and at the right time, now when they're on the phone I get cut out of the conversation because they talk business and my brain tunes out, not on purpose...but they're really good friends and they respect each other greatly. Sometimes decisions can be hard, especially when it affects not only you but people around you. For awhile there were some people calling Michael, "mission-killer" I definitely did not appreciate that. I was grateful that he had the courage to ask the question, let alone put up with all the crap he got about it. I had many people ask me how I could stay home? Why I would want to? I hope this story helps clear up the question. When I decided to stay home I honestly never once felt guilty, or ashamed or even sad that I wasn't going to go to Germany, I felt completely at peace, because I knew that I was making the right decision for me. Michael and I were starting an eternal family, and yes it was a good decision. What I've realized since answering that question, staying home, being married and moving away from Utah, is that missionary work is so much broader than being called on a full-time mission. Michael and I have had some incredible missionary experiences in NY already. We also had the opportunity to share the gospel with two couples while we were on our honeymoon. I've also realized that I am serving a mission, I just don't have a name tag. Looking back on the experience 2 years later, it's amazing to think I could have chosen something completely different. It panics me sometimes to think that I almost did, not that the mission would have been a bad experience, because I am absolutely sure it would have been wonderful, but because I can't imagine living my life without Michael. He is my best friend, my confidante, my cuddle buddy, my McFlurry provider :), and the love of my life. He is so many more things to me, and Michael I just want to say, I love you more than anything, thank you for having the courage to ask the most important question I've ever had to answer. I'm so excited to spend eternity with you.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sundays, Sing-Alongs, Sickness, and Choices
It's true. Sundays are wonderful. Yesterday in particular. Besides the fact that I was sick and I didn't get go to church. (I didn't want to get my Nursery kids sick). I stayed home and slept and watched/reread conference talks and read my scriptures. One talk in particular really struck me, Faith--the Choice is Yours by Richard C. Edgely. We don't know the future, what's coming, or the reasons that certain things happen. But choosing to have faith in our Savior that He knows what's best for us and will help us through everything, that is a critical choice. As Bishop Edgely so eloquently stated,
"Yes, faith is a choice, and it must be sought after and developed. Thus, we are responsible for our own faith. We are also responsible for our lack of faith. The choice is yours."
Faith takes work and discipline. It is not something that can just come to us. I've been working on having more faith. I'm the kind of person who has a love/hate relationship with surprises, just ask my husband. He can't tell me about a "surprise" or I'll BEG him until he tells me what it is. The future is something that is sometimes hard for me to handle. Why can't I just KNOW what's coming?! What Bishop Edgely said regarding the future really helped me,
"...But while I don’t know everything, I know the important. I know the plain and simple gospel truths that lead to salvation and exaltation. I know that the Savior did suffer the pain of all men and that all repentant people can be cleansed from sin. And what I don’t know or don’t completely understand, with the powerful aid of my faith, I bridge the gap and move on, partaking of the promises and blessings of the gospel. And then, as Alma teaches, our faith brings us to a perfect knowledge (see Alma 32:34). By moving forward into the unknown, armed only with hope and desire, we show evidence of our faith and our devotion to the Lord."
And I realized that I know the important things too. I know that Heavenly Father loves me, and I know that I have a testimony of the restored gospel. I know my Savior lived and suffered for my sins, and died to pay the ultimate sacrifice. I know the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith is a true Prophet. I know that President Monson leads and guides this church because that's what God wants. And most of all I know that I want to make the right choices and do whatever I can to make it back to my Heavenly Father. The future becomes less scary when you think about it with an eternal perspective. So what if I don't know what's going to happen next Thursday, with faith I can get through anything! I loved this talk, it really helped me gain a more eternal perspective. I highly recommend reading it!
When Michael got home I was feeling much better. (I think I needed some serious sleep and vitamin C, I've been trying to head off a cold). We talked to our parents which was great as always. And then Michael spoiled me. He sat by my side on our comfy couch while we watched my favorite movie,
And he was very patient with me while I sang all the songs, and quoted most of the lines. He even tolerated my "Oh my goodness she's so cute!" comments every time Gretl was on. He really does love me! Thanks for making my birthday weekend the best! (more to come on the happenings of the weekend!) During the movie we were talking about the fact that Hollywood just doesn't make movies like this anymore, wholesome movies with no filth, good plots, good dialogue (albeit somewhat cheesy but I'll take that over swearing anyday!) great music, and a good moral. I miss good movies like this. The world really is changing, getting scary in a whole bunch of ways that I often don't even want to think about. But we can let that affect us and we can get scared, and want to hide from the world or we can choose good entertainment, hobbies, books etc. and choose to have faith in the future rather than fear. So today as I look to our future, I think of one of my favorite childhood books,
"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go!"
Oh the Places You'll Go, Dr. Suess
Today I choose to have faith. Faith in the future, faith that I will be able to conquer any challenges that come my way, and mostly faith in my Savior Jesus Christ. Yes indeed it was a great Sunday.
"Yes, faith is a choice, and it must be sought after and developed. Thus, we are responsible for our own faith. We are also responsible for our lack of faith. The choice is yours."
Faith takes work and discipline. It is not something that can just come to us. I've been working on having more faith. I'm the kind of person who has a love/hate relationship with surprises, just ask my husband. He can't tell me about a "surprise" or I'll BEG him until he tells me what it is. The future is something that is sometimes hard for me to handle. Why can't I just KNOW what's coming?! What Bishop Edgely said regarding the future really helped me,
"...But while I don’t know everything, I know the important. I know the plain and simple gospel truths that lead to salvation and exaltation. I know that the Savior did suffer the pain of all men and that all repentant people can be cleansed from sin. And what I don’t know or don’t completely understand, with the powerful aid of my faith, I bridge the gap and move on, partaking of the promises and blessings of the gospel. And then, as Alma teaches, our faith brings us to a perfect knowledge (see Alma 32:34). By moving forward into the unknown, armed only with hope and desire, we show evidence of our faith and our devotion to the Lord."
And I realized that I know the important things too. I know that Heavenly Father loves me, and I know that I have a testimony of the restored gospel. I know my Savior lived and suffered for my sins, and died to pay the ultimate sacrifice. I know the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith is a true Prophet. I know that President Monson leads and guides this church because that's what God wants. And most of all I know that I want to make the right choices and do whatever I can to make it back to my Heavenly Father. The future becomes less scary when you think about it with an eternal perspective. So what if I don't know what's going to happen next Thursday, with faith I can get through anything! I loved this talk, it really helped me gain a more eternal perspective. I highly recommend reading it!
When Michael got home I was feeling much better. (I think I needed some serious sleep and vitamin C, I've been trying to head off a cold). We talked to our parents which was great as always. And then Michael spoiled me. He sat by my side on our comfy couch while we watched my favorite movie,
And he was very patient with me while I sang all the songs, and quoted most of the lines. He even tolerated my "Oh my goodness she's so cute!" comments every time Gretl was on. He really does love me! Thanks for making my birthday weekend the best! (more to come on the happenings of the weekend!) During the movie we were talking about the fact that Hollywood just doesn't make movies like this anymore, wholesome movies with no filth, good plots, good dialogue (albeit somewhat cheesy but I'll take that over swearing anyday!) great music, and a good moral. I miss good movies like this. The world really is changing, getting scary in a whole bunch of ways that I often don't even want to think about. But we can let that affect us and we can get scared, and want to hide from the world or we can choose good entertainment, hobbies, books etc. and choose to have faith in the future rather than fear. So today as I look to our future, I think of one of my favorite childhood books,
"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go!"
Oh the Places You'll Go, Dr. Suess
Today I choose to have faith. Faith in the future, faith that I will be able to conquer any challenges that come my way, and mostly faith in my Savior Jesus Christ. Yes indeed it was a great Sunday.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Fall into...Fall
I love summer. I always say it's my favorite time of year. I love flip flops and t-shirts and sleeping in a little bit longer. However I would be lying if I said it was actually my favorite time of year. You see I've had a realization this year. I LOVE Fall. I LOVE snuggling under the covers at 6am, after my alarm has just jarred me from a peaceful sleep, because the tip of my nose is cold, and I can't think about moving from the warmth of my bed. I LOVE the anticipation and excitement for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I LOVE the smells of hot chocolate and apple cider. I love walking and hearing in the crunch of crispy leaves under your heels. But most of all I love love LOVE the clothes. Sweaters and jackets, coats and boots, hats and scarves. I know that sounds very materialistic but I mean I love the way the clothes make me feel. I love when it gets chilly outside and you put on the cute new jacket you just bought, that makes you feel like a million bucks, and all of a sudden you feel like you can conquer the world, like you're superwoman and you just donned your favorite cape. My mom and my husband both tease me about my obsession with jackets and coats(that fill an entire closet in our apartment here in NY). I can go into a store with the purpose of buying a much needed pair of pants or a skirt and find 5 new coats and jackets that I just HAVE to have. There's something about the way that coats always fit, cute, perfect, like they were designed just for you. Pants, well we all know how shopping for pants is, torturous, arduous, and simply no fun. So a couple of weeks ago, when I realized I didn't have a black coat and the weather started turning cold, I was so excited! Especially when I went to Macy's and found this,
View Photo Here
(sorry the Macy's website is retarded can't copy paste the pic, oh and it's the black coat, not the grey) I just had to buy it. And then I did. And all was right in the world. I LOVE Fall!
View Photo Here
(sorry the Macy's website is retarded can't copy paste the pic, oh and it's the black coat, not the grey) I just had to buy it. And then I did. And all was right in the world. I LOVE Fall!
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