Glenn Beck's Tribute to President Hinkley

I'm not a huge fan of Glenn Beck. But I respect the way he stands up for his church and is so proud to be a Mormon. He often speaks of his membership and defends it's principles and doctrine vigorously. This tribute especially touched me because of the fact that he took the time to share, on national tv, his true feelings about a person that taught him to "stand for something."

To view Glenn's tribute on YouTube, click here.

We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

Gordon B. Hinkley (1910-2008)

We thank thee, O God, for a prophet...

I've sung that hymn so many times throughout my life, with the most memorable and powerful times in the awed presence of President Hinkley, himself. What an amazing man he was! And what an amazing legacy he has left for himself...and for our Church.

After I heard the news tonight, I immediately ran and grabbed the latest Conference edition of the Ensign. I wanted to reread his last words..his last advice, his last thoughts, and above all else, his last declaration of his love to us all.

I then began to think about what kind of an influence he had been to me in my life...let alone to the lives of so many people throughout the world! And it wasn't long before I was visually and spiritually reminded of the power of one man's dedication to his church and to his God.




Lastly, as I was reading through an article that was emailed to me tonight, I was inspired by the words that President Hinkley spoke in his first conference address as acting President, during the 165th General Conference on April 2, 1995:

"The time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"This is a time to be strong.

"It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth and the importance of our mission.

"It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow.

"It is a time to be found keeping the commandments.

"It is a season to reach out with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wandering in darkness and pain.

"It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike."

There's no doubt that our Church will move forward without Gordon B. Hinkley leading the way. Then again, there's no doubt that we are 13 million strong because of his life, his humility, his dedication, and his love for us all.

U2:3D

So...lately, all I've been hearing about from my "music" friends is how great this new U2 movie is. To tell you the truth, I hadn't even heard about it until just last week. And did I mention it's in 3D? So, last night some friends of mine and I decided to see what all the hype was about and went and saw it for ourselves. We drove down to Dallas to the IMAX theatre and donned the Universal Studios-inspired 3D glasses and sat down for a great concert...theatre-style.

I mock the whole idea, but in reality, it was one of the best concerts I've ever seen! I really felt like I was there. I wanted to stand up and totally rock out (a-la Def Leppard!), but settled for tapping my feet and waving my arms.

From my fave Where the Streets Have No Name to the classics Bullet the Blue Sky and New Year's Day, each song was performed by 4 very talented (and finally aging) artists. You would have thought they were playing their first concert ever by the way they rocked it. And did I mention it's all in 3D?

If this movie is playing in a theatre near you, please take the time to go see it. I highly recommend it. Seeing it brought back so many great memories from high school (go Brighton Bengals!), spending every lunch hour of my Senior year camped in front of my best friend Brooke's TV, memorizing Rattle and Hum. Those were the days...

THIS is the place...

So...I've decided that whenever you think you've figured out your life and have it all planned out, life has a way of shaking things up.

Up until about 6 months ago, I really thought I'd live in Texas for the rest of my life. A "lifer" is what I called myself about living here. But then things started to rumble and things became misaligned, and before I knew it, that perfect straight line to the end of the road became a fork. Or in my case, a U-ie. In my case, the U-ie is taking me right back to where I came from. Where I was born. Where I call home.

That U-ie is taking me back to Utah.

So...it's with so much excitement that I announce that after 7 years of living in Texas, Jeff and I are moving back to Utah! Jeff has accepted a job transfer with Countrywide to become a Sales Manager in a branch on Foothill Blvd. in Salt Lake City. The current plan is for Jeff to leave at the end of February and the boys and I will follow just as soon as our house sells (say a prayer and keep your fingers crossed that it happens soon). It's been on the market since the first of September...ironically, before we even knew where or what we were going to do (think...rumblings). However, I feel confident that now that we have a plan and a real goal, that we will be blessed to have it sell quickly. I can't imagine our little family being separated for longer than it needs to be.

Another thought I can't imagine is leaving so many of our good friends...and family. We have grown to love and appreciate those around us and will be truly sad to say good-bye. As excited and confident as we are in our decision to move back, there is still a sense of sadness and loss. The reality of never seeing some of these people again is heart-breaking.

I am learning to be grateful for the rumblings and the shake-ups that life sends to me. I've learned that it makes life interesting and unpredictable....but in a good way. And I have no doubt that life in Utah will be both...and so much more! But I must say that in my heart, I will never forget my time here in Texas nor the person I became by living here...a mother, a better wife, a stronger woman, a loyal employee, and a good friend.

To those of you that saw me become even one of those along the way, I say good-bye.

Or even better..."SEE YA'LL!"

What color is Jeff?

I made Jeff take this test, too...

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Black

Your color is black. The color of night. Serene and mysterious, black conjures up images of elegant evening gowns, dashing tuxedos, and gleaming limousines. Traditionally a symbol of success, black also represents power and an uncompromising demand for perfection. Not surprisingly, you tend to set challenging goals for yourself and do whatever it takes to achieve them — your strength of character is second to none. This unfaltering determination, along with your natural elegance, impresses people. But keep in mind that your personality might be intimidating to some. Try to temper your demanding side with a little softness — trust us, it won't kill you. Overall, though, black is the color of professionalism and achievement, which means it's clearly the color for you.

Take this test >

What color am I?

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Brown

You're brown, a credible, stable color that's reminiscent of fine wood, rich leather, and wistful melancholy. Most likely, you're a logical, practical person ruled more by your head than your heart. With your inquisitive mind and insatiable curiosity, you're probably a great problem solver. And you always gather all of the facts before coming to a timely, informed decision. Easily intrigued, you're constantly finding new ways to challenge your mind, whether it's by reading the newspaper, playing a trivia game, or composing a piece of music. Brown is an impartial, neutral color, which means you tend to see the difference between fact and opinion easily and are open to many points of view. Trustworthy and steady, you really are a brown at heart.

Take this test >

Happy Birthday, Cameron!

Just thought I'd take another trip down memory lane...in honor of my little brother's 31st birthday.







Happy Birthday, Cam!

Happy New Year!

If I say this one more time this year....it won't be one too many: I can't believe it's 2008!

2008!!!!????

I swear, JUST yesterday...

...It was 25 years ago, the year was 1983...I was 8 years old and had one thing on my mind....dancing! (No, not boys...not yet, anyway!)

...It was 20 years ago, the year was 1988...I was in 7th grade and had just gotten my braces off and was obviously very excited to be wearing a retainer. Furthermore, it seems as though I was a little confused about what the current hair style trend was supposed to be.
...It was 15 years ago, the year was 1993...I was graduating from high school and heading off to Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. And yes, I was still VERY confused about what the current hair style trend was supposed to be.


...It was 10 years ago, the year was 1998...I was living in Florida and about to move back to Utah to finish college. Shall I say I was getting a little better about the hair style?
...It was 5 years ago, the year was 2003...I was a proud mother of one and living in my first house! Hey! Hairstyles don't matter now that I'm a wife and mom (at least that's what I told myself!).


And now...what-do-you-know? It's 2008.

Amazing.

I'm anxious and excited to see what this year will bring. I may not know what lies around the next corner, be it happiness or trials or adventures...But I do know that, whatever may be, I'm blessed to be surrounded by good friends, a wonderful family...

....and a great hairstylist!

Happy 2008, ya'll!

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve just isn't what it used to be. That's not saying that it's not as fun as it used to be. On the contrary, I think it's better! For starters, at least now-a-days I have a guaranteed kiss when the New Year rings in!

Tonight, we went with some of our best friends to dinner at Patrizio's in Plano. It was so fun to be surrounded by good friends, great food, and no children! After dinner, Jeff and I went and saw a movie and ironically, still made it home before midnight! Ahhh, parenthood.