Have you Forgotten?

I have this obsession with The Forgotten Carols since i was a little girl. My sister introduced the CD to me after she went to a performance when we were younger. I have since gone over 10 times to the show. I have gone with my mom, family, and a close friend who is on the other side of the veil. I hold the show so close to my heart, as many important people, events and memories have taken place with this show, its songs going on around me. 

Jared was introduced to the Forgotten Carols very early in dating me. We started dating around Christmas time and I watch this show, at least twice a week if i have time. I own the DVD and i expose all that i can to the magic of the story Michael McLean tells. It is a story about believing in something we never saw, hoping for better in life and in the world, and taking time to remember the true meaning of Christmas. Jared and i have been humbled this Christmas, as we are both students, working and completely BROKE. We have amazing family who help us and the Lord has provided a way to make sure we are never without something we truly need. We have decided that this Christmas we are getting things for family and not so much worrying about each other, as we have the best gift we could have had this year when we got married and sealed. We have each other and that is a lot more than many can say this Christmas. 

Hold on to your loved ones, the year has been rough, but family is forever and i tell you to hold onto that truth with all your heart!!

Back in September i got an email saying the tickets for the Forgotten Carols were going on sale and i begged my husband to go. It was 50$ for us to go, but somehow Jared made it work. I bought the tickets and have had them on the fridge waiting for Dec 12 to come. 

The week of Dec 12 was finals week. Luckily i was done with my finals, but i was emotionally exhausted and was not in the best mood. (SURPRISE, i know) Jared and i decided that we were going to get ready to go early that morning, spend time with my family and then head to the show. 

It was a night i know i needed very much, The spirit was so strong. I cried from open to close. ( I usually do). Michael talks at the end and tells us the story is not for him to get attention. We are to remember Christ and take some time during the busy holiday season and remember the true meaning of Christmas. To close the show the audience sings Silent Night and he walks off stage. There is no more clapping, just a peace felt that Christ is near, 

He suffered for us and He is there to help us whenever we ask. 

Now i am one, when i feel the Spirit i don't just get teary eyed, I SOB.. Jared has got used to this i think. He knows when to sneak out of Sacrament to get me a tissue, and to put his arm around me. So you can imagine me as we ( i think i got out a couple of words in the song) sang

 Silent Night. 

Thanks you Jared for a wonderful evening!! It was his first time going and he said he can't wait to go next year. Michael McLean is one of my favorite LDS composers, he has a way of writing songs i can relate to. I play his music often. I am grateful for people who share their talents. Its truly inspiring to look into myself and wonder what talents i have hidden under this exhausted student exterior. All in all, i would recommend the show to all and if you cant afford it, get the DVD. If you want to borrow it, let me know.

This year i have tried to focus less on shopping and more on Christ. The stores and media seem to call Christmas whatever they can to get you to buy more, and remember Christ less. Whatever traditions you have for Christmas, please don't forget them this year, act out the nativity scene, sing carols and REMEMBER CHRIST, remember who He is, his humble birth and the great act of love he has done for each and everyone of us. 

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!

Monday Moments

A couple of my friends have a day of the week they post something or someone they are thankful for.. I have wanted to do this and so i figured with the manic mondays that come, i would take a "Monday Moment" to share what i am grateful for..  today i am thankful and so proud of this amazing girl!! she has been through so much with me and i am so proud of her graduating nursing school!! Tilisa, you truly came in my life at a time when i needed you most.. the circumstances may not have been what we would of picked on how we met, but i agree on how we said "he was the best mistake we ever made"...  congrats on graduation, your beautiful family!! you are such a loving mom and friend!! thanks for cheering me on in nursing school..  i am so excited you are closer to me.. you are so great!! i love you lots and lots!

Goodbye to this book!! The semester I hated is finally over.. I thought the semester was going to be easier since it was mom and baby BUT, i hated it!! This is just the area i am not meant to work in.. I don't have kids, i have never been pregnant and i really do not have much experience in the laboring woman field. I am happy to say i passed the class, which means, i am able to sit for my LPN boards. I will be done with school in six months. Jared has been a trooper and so supportive. I want to send a shou tout of love to all those that let me complain about how much i hate school. I have never been so exhausted in my entire life and i know i could not have got this far in life and school without the amazing friends and family i have!! I am very excited to say goodbye to mother/baby.. I did enjoy pediatrics, but i like the ER, the variety of everyone and the quick turnover..

i have lots to learn and i am excited for a MONTH break!! my brain needs some time do dumb down.. Never thought i would be so excited to not think at all!! YEAH!!!  Being a second year in nursing school feels super.. its going to be rough, but

BRING ON THE CRITICAL CARE!!!

Who is my Christmas centered around?

Jared and i recieved this nativity set from my mom this week. The set was made by my grandmother and is older than i am..

 As i was setting this scene up, I could not help but notice i was making everything in the scene look, turn, and gaze upon Christ. I was over come with love for my Savior and all the He has done for me. I quickly grabbed my phone and took the ariel view.. It touched my heart and made me put a couple of things in life into perspective. What is my Christmas centered around this year? i have been so caught up in finals, getting our tree up, getting gifts that i seem to have missed the most important part of Christmas. I ask to be forgiven for my short comings, my snappyness at the store with the crowds, the rush to get everything just perfect, and the constant need i have had to think of myself. May i center my life towards Christ more this Christmas season and more in my life all year long.May i be more patient in life, speak kinder words and offer a smile to all those i greet.

It fits so perfect that this Nativity set was made by my grandmother. I did not know her long, but her example in life has made me want to be more Christ like. She was an amazing woman and i know she is doing great work on the other side. Maybe the veil was thinned a little this morning as i set this up. I felt the love of my grandmother and was reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. 
 May we be able to turn our lives towards Christ and remember the true meaning of Christmas. Remember He loves us, He will and has done anything for us. Christ lives, Christ will hold us up when we feel down and will NEVER stop loving us.

MERRY CHRISTMAS,
enjoy the season, if your heart is hurting or you can't seem to feel the Christmas cheer, Remember Christ and turn your thoughts to Him.

The greatest gift...

Once again a picture from my cell since the charger to my camera is MIA.. However, Jared and i spent the day Christmas shopping and enjoying each others company. We had a decision last week to either go to a movie and take my lil bro, my niece and nephew or to get a tree.. After not much thought we knew the decision was to go to the movie and spend sometime with our wonderful family. The movie was a blast and we were so glad we made the decision. We took them to see A Christmas Carol, which i think terrified them more than anything.. That movie was a little scary in 3D, but i loved every minute of Malia snuggled up on my lap telling me she was ok and she was brave, all the time covering her eyes or taking the 3D glasses off.. We all had fun and jumped quite a few times in the movie. Jared and I decided we would get a tree the next time we got paid or we would just wait till next year. Friday we were checking the mail and there was a card addressed in handwriting that was all to familiar. My mom and dad sent us a gift card to walmart so we could go get a tree.. We were to say the least THRILLED!! Yesterday we had sometime to go get the tree before going out with some friends for the night. We did not put it up till tonight and i am so proud of our little tree. It means so much to us and we feel a lot more grateful for it as it was a gift to us. We are so excited for our first Christmas married and I even have my husband listening to Christmas music early, watching Elf and The Forgotten Carols over and over.. It has been a blast and December is not even here yet!! Thanks mom and dad for our wonderful tree!! WE LOVE IT!!

"our first" THANKSGIVING!!

We had a great Thanksgiving in Idaho. We are so grateful to Jared's aunt Deb and uncle Kelly!! They hosted all of jareds aunts and uncles and their family's. I will share some pictures and give a little bit of each story...

Jared is so excited to get his dinner!! the kitchen was full of food everynight we were there..They made multiple Thanksgiving dinners!!

CUTE COUSINS!!

MORE FOOD FOR EVERYONE!!

Jared's plate.... (above)


My plate... i am glad he has his metabolism.. i don't know where all his food goes!!

These were the best rolls!! They are a recipe from Jared's uncles mother.. i wish to bake with her in heaven!!

You can't have Thanksgiving without some Stuffing!! and this was so yummy!!

I never thought Idaho was pretty, but this place Star, Idaho was beautiful.. Hills gorgeous houses.. The lake behind the house was so pretty and jared and i enjoyed our walks out there..

The kids were so fun!! i loved jareds cousin Rilee.. she was so much fun!! here she is teaching the little kids how to sword wrestle with their fingers.. it was so funny to watch! Jared's grandma had a heart attack the night of thanksgiving.. She is ok, and resting well at home in Oregan..All the kids and older children went to see Grandma.. I love his grandma and grandpa.. they are true example of Love..

This is aunt marianne and uncle Andy.. Aunt Deb and uncle Kelly!!




jareds parents!!
And here is Jared and I..



It was such a great weekend.. We had so much fun.. I became close to some amazing people.. Jareds cousin jamie has an adorable little boy Kale and i am sad i did not get more pics.. I am so grateful for the vacation. It was a great memory and i am sorry that i did not get more pics.. Deb and Kelly, thanks for taking us in..Thank you for sharing your love with me and welcoming me officially to the family!! Jared and i wish everyone had a great Thanksgiving and enjoy the holidays to come!!

PS. To my mom and dad and my family.. i missed you all.. i hope you know that.. first thanksgiving without my family.. you were in my thoughts and prayers.. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!

This post is a special one..

While we were gone to Idaho we learned that jared's cousin Jamie and her husband Colby have a LOVE for the Carpenters Christmas album.. Ok, Colby loves it and Jamie loves to tease him. However, i was a child who was raised on the Carpenter Christmas music as well and i love it.. So when Jared and i got home and started to convert our blog to Christmas, we could not help but throw a song on our music for them!! ENJOY IT JAMIE AND COLBY!!! this is for you!!

P.S. we were going to add Little Altar Boy, but it was SOOO long.. so we went with the next best!!