Friday, January 30, 2009

Wedding Registries

If you haven't heard, Dave and I are getting married!!!



As part of the tradition, we have registered at the following locations:






And for those who live locally, we have also filed a registry with Karleens in Centerville (see store for details).

Don't forget to mark your calendars for this momentous occasion. We will have our Open House/Reception on Friday, April 10th in North Salt Lake and then be married the next day in the Salt Lake Temple. You are all invited to join us for this long-awaited, highly-anticipated marriage celebration!

{{FYI: Those widgets were hand-crafted by me and it was easy!}}

Monday, January 26, 2009

Wacky Weather-Related Wonders

Inversion (courtesy of Wikipedia):

In meteorology, an inversion is a deviation from the normal change of an atmospheric property with altitude. It almost always refers to a temperature inversion. Usually, within the lower atmosphere (the troposphere) the air near the surface of the Earth is warmer than the air above it, largely because the atmosphere is heated from below as solar radiation warms the earth's surface, which in turn then warms the layer of the atmosphere directly above it. An inversion can lead to pollution such as smog being trapped close to the ground, with possible adverse effects on health.

("Rise above the inversion" photo series courtesy of Chelsea, taken from the 26th floor of the Church Office Building):






(Click to enlarge and get the real effect)

Icicle (courtesy of Wikipedia):

An icicle is a spike of ice formed when water dripping or falling from an object freezes. Typically, icicles will form when ice or snow is melted by either sunlight or some other heat source, and the resulting melted water runs off into an area where the ambient temperature is below the freezing point of water (0°C/32°F), causing the water to refreeze. Over time continued water runoff will cause the icicle to grow.

("Garbage can with a fang" photo courtesy of Chelsea):

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Flowers & Cars

On Saturday afternoon I dragged Dave here:



So he dragged me here:





We ate free gourmet food at my activity and tried out convertibles at Dave's. Isn't nice when there's something for everyone!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Superstitious

Many years ago, way back when I started college, I became superstitious about the way I lived the gospel. It was purely for selfish reasons. You see, I really needed divine intervention to make it through my undergraduate years and I figured that the Lord would help me and bless me if I did my part and kept all the commandments.

So, I faithfully said my prayers, morning and night. I read from the Book of Mormon every single day and often other church books as well. I attended institute regularly and eventually graduated. I went to church each Sunday and partook of the sacrament to renew my covenants with the Lord. I paid my tithing, increased my fast offerings, and learned how to purposefully fast with faith. I listened to and often reread the words of our living prophets as they addressed us at conferences and firesides. I served faithfully in my church callings. When the timing was just right, I served a mission where I devoted even more attention to being obedient just so that I could see the fruits of my labors and be the one to teach those great people of Louisiana the gospel. Once I received my temple endowment I regularly attended the temple to perform sacred ordinances there. And I strived to keep each and every commandment the Lord has given us.

After doing all this through four years of undergraduate studies, a mission, and a year of certification, my superstition was firmly in place. I had convinced myself that desired blessings only came through my obedience to the gospel. So, though my schooling has been complete for many years, I have continued to do these things knowing that eventually the Lord would grant me the blessings I most desired. I’m not going to sugar-coat the picture and tell you that life was easier and the blessings came more frequently. Remember, everything happens in the Lord’s time. However, I always knew my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ loved me and I had the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost to direct my path through this life.

Last night I was reflecting on all of this through the midst of a small personal crisis. I came to understand that the gospel seed has been planted deep in my heart. Because of my superstitious actions, brought on by my own selfish desires to receive blessings that I knew would only come through obedience to the commandments, this seed was nourished every day in very good ways. Without me even realizing it, the seed took root and grew and thrived to where it is now a strong, beautiful tree bearing fruit “which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure” (Alma 32:42).

I am grateful for the habits of gospel study and obedience to the commandments that I have formed and for the blessings which have truly come into my life. Most of all, I am grateful that the gospel has so strongly influenced the woman that I have become and I pray that I never overcome this superstition but keep it throughout my life so that I will always be worthy of the blessings the Lord has in store for me.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

90 Days

Or exactly 3 months from today!


And, yes, I intend to give these updates every few days or weeks. 'Cuz I'm just a little excited!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Wedding Update

Slowly, but surely, we are getting all the pieces put together for our upcoming wedding. I had no idea how hard and stressful this was going to be, especially when you are trying to keep it as inexpensive as possible.

You know how many girls will tell you they have every part of their wedding planned out, they just need the groom. I certainly felt that way. Well, now that I am actually in the process, I feel complely opposite: I have the groom but nothing else.

However, last night, I bought THE DRESS! It was twice as much as I wanted to spend once we included all the alterations and the foundation garments, but I love it and it looks really good on me!

Yea! I finally got the picture to load! We took this covertly at the dress shop so it isn't the greatest quality. Click here to see it online.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Chalkin' It Up

In the 4 years I have been required to carry my work-issued cell phone, I have left it home maybe five times and left it overnight at the office once. In the last 4 weeks since I have been engaged, I have left it home twice. Hmmm.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Sugar Bowl Party

If you weren't there, which most of you weren't because so many of you came down with the flu on the very day of a very great game, you missed out!

Just to recap what you already know...
The University of Utah scored 3 touchdowns in the first quarter of the game against Alabama and went on to win 31-17. That makes the U 13-0 this season. Amazing!

Another amazing aspect that many of you missed out on, because you were ill, is the great spread of food I laid out.

Unfortunately, I can't get the pictures to upload. But, trust me, it was delicious...bean dip and chips, cheese spread and crackers, carrots and celery, homemade chicken nuggets, leftover Christmas goodies. The perfect treats for a perfect game!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

100 Days

I get to marry this guy in exactly
100 Days!