Last Post for 2008!

So I just realized that writing 2009 is going to be wicked hard (to put it in the words of my students...). 2008 was an interesting year...

Reflecting on the past year--it has been a fun year with many challenges. God has made me very aware of His hand in my life and has given me opportunities to grow and develop as a person. I am so blessed to be His daughter and on this earth at this time.

I think that as the year changes though--I am going to try my best to remember that I am His daughter and that I need to trust Him. I think the more I have been studying lately--I am understanding this faith, hope, and charity and how it kind of works together. It is making sense...

So--as 2009 comes tomorrow--my goal is to understand these principles of the gospel better and apply them in my life.

Best wishes friends as the year starts! The new year is a time to have hope in things which are to come! I am full of hope right now as I write this--hope for things that are to come! And hope in my Heavenly Father and His glorious plan!

I feel 2009 is going to be an exciting year!

Happy New Year!

My Pic of the Week!

December 27, 2008

I went to Temple Square and took this picture on Saturday. My friend Jason has a Friday picture of the week he's starting--so thanks Jason for the great idea!

Some more snowshoeing...around Doughnut Falls

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Since I got the shoes--I have to use them...

My friend Dan had friends going again, so I tagged along. It was a beautiful day--but COLD!!!! I didn't even unzip anything this time--the wind was horrible...

But, the view was spectacular. Here are some nature shots from our hike around Doughnut Falls area...

The Inagural Snowshoeing Event...because you have to start sometime!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

I bought my first pair of snowshoes ever! And I found snowshoe friends! And so it was time to go celebrate--because it snowed!

My friends Dan and Grant helped me find my shoes. And then, with the help of Bryant and Linda, we all organized a snowshoe adventure.

We had so much fun playing around in the snow...we hiked up Mill B in Big Cottonwood Canyon...

In all, we had 10 people! A great turnout for our first event! There was Linda, Grant, Bryant, Dan, Henry, Tracey, Evelyn, Caleb, Paige, and me! It was so much fun!

Here's some pics from the night!

Me before the hike! I look so nice and straight haired....

Me, Linda, and Tracey

Bryant was ready to go...
Grant was prepped...

Takin a break...

The aftermath of the attacks...Bryant was nice enough to help wipe the snow off me...

It's hard makin snowangels with snowshoes...can't move the feet...

Tracey and me after making our snow angels...

I love snowshoeing! Maybe a little more than real hiking...I don't know--it could be a tie...

My Birthday!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

For my birthday, Linda, Bryant and I drove to Idaho! We went to see my family and spend the day with them. We got their Friday night (or I guess Saturday morning at 1:30). Then we all slept--but when we woke up--there was no power! There was a horrible wind the night before and it knocked out the power in our area.










We ended up driving to Rexburg to pick my sister Kim up from school--Bryant helped her drive back to Idaho Falls. Then, we went and ate Thai food at Pete's restaurant the Thai House. Then, we headed back to Salt Lake--but we had one stop on the way. We stayed and played by the falls and got some fun pictures.





We stopped at my favorite place--Lava Hot Springs! It was perfect weather! Light snowfall and a gorgeous moon. Who could ask for more?!? I love that place--and I think I convinced Linda and Bryant too...





We stopped on the way home in Brigham City at the Peach City Diner and ate dinner. It was an old fashioned type place and we had a great dinner.



I had so much fun on my birthday--thanks Linda and Bryant for making it special!

First Presidency Christmas Devotional

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Tonight I went with my friends Jaime and Joe (they are engaged and getting married in February!) to the devotional. They had two extra tickets so they told me to bring a friend or a date--so I invited my friend Kakra. We had a great time--and Kakra had connections to upgrade our seats to the Plaza Level. We had a great view of the First Presidency.

This time you can tell who they are in my pic!

Kakra and me

We went and looked at the lights on Temple Square afterwords. I love Temple Square!

We titled this picture Kakra and the Burning Bush...

Jaime and Joe--they are so cute!

In all--I loved all the talks--especially Elder Eyring. He talked about tradition and how important they are to families. I hope someday I can establish my own traditions with my own family!

Fine Dining--Five Guys

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Sandy has a Five Guys! Linda and I had to try it out! We were excited to see the potatoes were from Idaho (actually--I was most excited...)




In all--we loved their fries! And the burgers were not too bad either! I would go back!

Festival Of Trees

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Today, Irene, Linda, Henry and I decided to attend the Festival of Trees! It was fun to go and see all the neat displays that people could come up with. Deep down inside of me--I have a love of decorating trees. I would love to participate in an activity like this someday!

Here's some pics of the neat trees.

The Nutcracker Tree

The flashing light glass musical tree.

The wooden tree with the amazing tricks! It was fun to watch all the pool balls move around this thing--definitely something to entertain my mind!

My favorite part of it was the xylophone staircase! It made the coolest sound!

The missionary trees--Elder Spruce and Elder Pine

There were also neat gingerbread houses!