I Believe In Santa Claus

And look at the first gift he brought me this season!!!

"Congratulations! You were selected to receive tickets for this event:.

• Number of Tickets: 4
• Event: Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square Christmas Concerts
• Performance: Thu, Dec 11 at 08:00PM"

Needless to say, getting to go to this concert for the third year in a row makes me SOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY!

More Where That Came From

Happy Week of Thanksgiving!!!

So recently my cute sister-in-law, Katie, was featured on Raspberry Lemonade because she is so crafty and awesome!

It's a super cute crafty blog!

And guess what! I'm getting featured too! But not because I'm crafty because many of you know I am craft-challenged shall we say... But be that as it may... Raspberry Lemonade still liked reading my blog and wanted me to share my thoughts on gratitude on her blog. You know I've got 'em!

So take a little trip over and see what I've got to say! You can comment there and here too!

Having someone like my ideas enough to want them on her blog makes me So Happy!

Speakin' of the Devil

Yesterday I was visiting with an elderly gentleman who LOVES to talk. It takes me 25 minutes to just get out of his house - and that's after I'm standing up, with my hand on the door knob all ready to leave. He always comes up with one more thing to say so I can't leave - which really is sad and sweet at the same time.

But last night it was FUNNY. Because he said to me, "I've figured out the problem with the Mormon Church."

"Oh you have?" said I. "What would that be?"

And he said, "Well, they've been having so many problems, you know, in California, because of that Preparation H."

I didn't hear much of anything else he said.

Stuff like that makes me So Happy.

Islands in the Stream/Bridge Over Troubled Water

Did you ever have 4 of the best girlfriends in the world? If you did, then you would know what it's like to come home from work and have this lovely package on your doorstep!

I'll give you a play by play.

"I've got a golden (ok silver) ticket! It's ours Charlie!"

The Turkeys are my dear, dear, dear friends from high school. I was so lucky to move to Illinois in my junior year because that's where I met the Turkeys. It still strikes me as funny that we named ourselves - but we sure did and it sure stuck! (I actually don't totally remember how that came to be...
except the vague, general concept.)

I have so many great Turkey memories. Lots of Allerton, jumping and shaking our booties, Madrigals (in fact, Christmastime sure brings back lots of memories from all those songs) especially The Holly and the Ivy among others. Also, "Sailors", WKRP, "Subway Capitol Hill", Wuscious Wee, Hubway, Carrie-Calls, "SLIPPERS", $5000, American Music, "Hero", putting on lipstick, sheets as towels, duck slippers and oh so many more. We laughed and cried, fought, made cupa-cupa-cupa, went to prom together, graduated and laughed and cried some more before we went away to college.

We lost touch for a while and then found each other again. But, in the meantime, they were there for me during really sad times. Miraculously, even after all this time, it's like no time at all has passed. We're close as always even despite the almost 3000 miles that separate us.

(The fantastic cupcake people actually sprinkled some extra sprinkles on top of the plastic that covered the cupcakes!
So thoughtful! So yummy!)

We live all over the country and the other 4 are all married with 2 (well almost 2) kids each.
I'm so proud of the wonderful wives and mothers they are -- of the contributions they're making in their communities.

They are truly beautiful people.

And they're my Turkeys.

(There were instructions to let the cupcakes sit at room temperature for 4 HOURS before eating them so you can bet I'll be setting my alarm to get out of bed at about 11 tonight to have a little snacky-snack!)

(That's a sweet potato cupcake! So Cool!)

So, not only did I get a fantastic super great job, I got a dozen cupcakes and reminded that I have the best friends in the world.

What's the nicest gift you've ever been given?

How appropriate that in November - well and since I was 16 - the Turkeys make me Soooooo Happy.

Bubbling Over

What a fantastic day! Yesterday, the Toolson's came to see me!

Bishop and Sister Toolson were in my ward as soon as I moved to Seattle and I loved them immediately!

It was so fun to get together and reminisce. I was surprised at how many of my Seattle memories include the Toolsons.

Remember Mike Snow humming Hotel California? (Maria - I know you're doing it right now. :)) Sabrina picking up that last piece of torn paper bag off the floor with her teeth? The Bishop laying on the floor playing whatever game that was just cracking up and making us all laugh so hard! Remember their driveway? :)

I remember too so many things that they taught us. They never have had a fight.
Remember how much Bishop Toolson loved the Bible and his mother and Sister Toolson and us??? Remember the story about her wedding ring?

Remember all the yummy treats and how loved you felt when you were at their house?

What are your favorite Toolson memories?

Aren't we blessed when good people choose to serve the Lord?

Being with them tonight, and the blessing of their friendship always, makes me So Happy.

9 to 5

Remember how I knew I'd get a miracle even when I wasn't sure how the miracle would come?

Once upon a time, I needed a car. I wanted a car that had 4 doors and a sunroof. And I only had $5500 to spend.

So I gave my list to Heavenly Father and you know what? I got EXACTLY what I prayed for.

EXACTLY.


My former roommate, Katesta, reminded me of this when she used our praying experience from the yellow/red brick house move to help her find a new apartment. We had some very specific criteria for the new place we were moving all those years ago. There were 5 of us and we wanted to all room together. We wanted to pay less rent, live closer to campus and stay in our same ward.

And you know what? We got EXACTLY what we prayed for.

EXACTLY.

So. I tried it again. And I was RIGHT! I got my miracle.

EXACTLY.

And boy am I glad! I started my new job today! And it is WONDERFUL!!!!

My favorite scripture - well you know me and favorites - but still My favorite scripture:

"And now behold, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni, and their brethren did rejoice exceedingly, for the success which they had had among the Lamanites, seeing that the Lord had granted unto them according to their prayers, and that he had also verified his word unto them IN EVERY PARTICULAR." (Alma 25:17)

Ammon and his brethren prayed a lot of prayers. But they were answered in every particular.

When we pray specifically and get specific answers, we MUST give thanks to Heavenly Father.
Well, I suppose we don't have to, but if we don't when it is SO easy to give credit where credit is due... not maybe the best choice.

I know that Heavenly Father wants to bless us.

He wants us to know that He loves us.

And that doesn't change even when we haven't yet gotten the blessings we think are best for us.

Like Sister Johnson always said, "Thanks for the next. I'm sure of this." can not be our attitude if we want to give credit where credit is due.

So I say, Thank You for now. Right now today.


It was a glorious first day of work. The hospital where I got a job is three miles from my home, I already knew one of the ladies I work with and she is fantastic, I was offered more money with this job than any of the others I was offered and it's EXACTLY the kind of work I hoped for.

And the way I got this job that was NEVER POSTED?

A miracle.

First, this lovely woman was called to be the General Relief Society President.
(Isn't that 55 cent dress phenomenal?)

Then, she called this lovely woman to work on the General Board.

Then she became the General Relief Society President too.

I love the Relief Society.

Then there was the miracle of our becoming friends.


Then the College of Social Work had a commemorative birthday party for
Sister Spafford (because you're right, Maria) and Sister Jack took me with her to the party.

While at the party, I talked to the Dean of the College of Social Work who knew there would be a job opening at the hospital.

I called about it and two weeks later, I got the job.
The job that really wasn't and certainly wasn't posted.

And that came JUST in the nick of time

It is definitely my job.

It is an absolute miracle.

So Grateful. So Happy.

Real Love

Aren't you ever just blown away by how much you're blessed by the lovely and loving lives of others?

You've seen those signs that say, "All because two people fell in love."

When two people fall in love, they really do change the world.

Certainly my world has been blessed by so many faithful, loving, happy marriages.

My parents marriage has blessed my life in so many ways. Not just by giving me life either. But by being faithful to one another they have blessed me with security which is not to be undervalued in our society! That's just the very start!

I remember thinking on my mission how grateful I was that my Mission President and his wife had a solid marriage. They spent their time focusing on us and not on their own issues. They were probably not issue-free (although I'm pretty sure they were) but they were solid and the world was blessed.

50 years have made so very many people So Happy.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

This is where I live.

For those who don't know better, it's called Waterbury.

For those who do, it's called Narnia.

Living here and the new fallen snow make me So Happy!

The New Ensign's Here! The New Ensign's Here!

It's the next best thing since Conference!!!

And to be able to read all the words of a living Prophet and other Servants of the Lord

Makes me SO Happy!

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

I love that we got to listen to the Prophet of the Lord speak this last weekend.
What a miracle!
So much of it felt absolutely directed to me and I am still grateful.

The first weekends of April and October make me very very happy.
In fact, I can always hardly wait!
I was so happy that Seth and Katie came to share the last session with me and they were perfectly obedient to my no talking rules! Love them!
Then we headed to Temple Square to document the loveliness that is that block.
I can't believe it's going to be all lit up so soon for Christmastime!


So, wasn't General Conference thrilling?

And A NEW TEMPLE IN ARGENTINA!!!!!!!!!!!
I was so thrilled. I cried and cried in my car.

And Rome! How fun was it to hear everyone's reaction to that!?!

My favorite talk was Elder Cook, President Uchtdorf, Elder Wirthlin, Elder Holland, Elder Bednar, Sister Dalton, President Monson, President Packer, Elder Andersen,
and President Eyring.

I'll have to look at my notes to see if I had other favorites too.
Ok - Elder Ballard, Elder Nelson, Elder Hales, and Elder Oaks.

I love that for 8 hours (really 10 counting RS Conference) we get to listen to wonderfully inspired leaders tell us what Heavenly Father wants us to hear.
And what beautiful, beautiful messages He sent us.

Some of my favorite quotes...
"Hope you know, we had a hard time." Elder Cook

"Faith is not a feeling, it's a decision." Elder Andersen

"No room in the inn was not a singular expression of rejection,
just the first." President Monson

"If only we could glimpse what our Heavenly Father has in store for us in the next life and in this life as well, our hope would become unshakable." Elder Uchtdorf

"I leave you the Lord's promise that you will have the righteous desires of your heart." President Eyring

"Those who refuse to read the Book of Mormon are like spoiled children who refuse to eat a meal lovingly prepared for them." Elder Aidukaitis

"Prelude is not a time for conversation." Elder Oaks

"Hope is one leg of a three legged stool which stabilizes our life regardless of rough or unstable circumstances." Elder Uchtdorf

"We have enormous spiritual reservoirs available to us. Be not afraid -- only believe." Elder Andersen

"The scriptures are written to bring us hope!" Elder Uchtdorf

"Come what may and love it!" Elder Wirthlin

"Darkness, afraid, river, alone." Elder Holland

"The brighter our hope, the greater our faith. The stronger our hope, the purer our charity." Elder Uchtdorf

"Almighty God being my Helper they cannot come here!"
President Packer (quoting Brigham Young)


"Remember the Lord has said He would fight our battles."
Elder Holland

"Meaningful morning prayer proceeds the temporal creation of every day." Elder Bednar

"The next time you're tempted to groan you might laugh instead." Elder Wirthlin

"Let us once and for all establish our residence in Zion and give up our summer residence in Babylon." Elder Christofferson (quoting Elder Maxwell)

"Heavenly Father hears and answers every sincere prayer."
Lots of People

"We would all do well not to speak of [the Savior] as though He were the friend next door. He is the Firstborn of the Father." Bishop McMullin

"Jesus will make everything alright. When Jesus comes I will be able to hear and you will get your legs." Elder Andersen

"Angels are sent as emissaries to convey love. The scriptures are filled with accounts of angels. Seen or unseen they are always near." Elder Holland

"The Holy Ghost is the witness of and the messenger for the Father and the Son." Elder Bednar

"Don't be consumers of vice but guardians of virtue." Sister Dalton

"The Lord will let you feel His appreciation from stepping away from the possibility of sowing the seeds of disunity."
President Eyring

"You be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone." Sister Dalton (quoting President Monson)

"We may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will be grander than we could have imagined." Elder Uchtdorf

"The dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to all of us. Learning to endure is part of our on the job training." Elder Wirthlin

"God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges we face, Nor Will He Ever." Elder Holland

"In the midst of winter we find within us an invincible summer." Elder Uchtdorf

"There must be opposition in all things." Almost Everyone.

"The will to win means almost nothing without the will to prepare." Sister Dalton

"Understand the principle of compensation. While it may not come at a time we desire, the faithful today know that every tear will be returned a hundredfold." Elder Wirthlin

"We must carry on the devoted, committed tradition of the people who built this church." Elder Ballard

"You pile up enough tomorrows and you'll find you've got a lot of empty yesterdays." President Monson

"Each marriage starts with two built in handicaps - two imperfect mortals." Elder Nelson

(Seth was not going over to tell that couple that it was a little inappropriate to snuggle on Temple Square. Although, come on. Inappropriate? He actually had found some edible plants on Temple Square! Don't tell anyone he tested to make sure they were really edible! They were! So many fun plants on Temple Square!)

"In troubled times the Lord has always prepared a safe way ahead." President Packer

"Heavenly Father's great Plan of Happiness allows family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave." Elder Nelson

(Aren't Seth and Katie so cute?!?)

"Let us relish life as we live it... Do human beings ever realize life as they live it -- every, every minute?" President Monson

"Make pleasant memories for the future." President Monson

"Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." President Monson

"Harmony in marriage only comes when one esteems the welfare of the spouse as the highest priority." Elder Nelson

"Then, with emotions in my heart, I closed the door and faced an unknown future." Elder Cook (quoting Bathsheba Smith)

"Sometimes the things that are best for us which bring eternal rewards are most bitter."
Elder Cook (quoting President Harold B. Lee)

"Heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that fits appropriately." Elder Holland

"The Savior, resurrected and glorious, lives and reaches out to us." President Eyring

My take home messages?
Heavenly Father loves His children. He does know we're having a hard time. He wants us to be happy. We must invite Him into our lives so He can be involved in all the details. He has already provided the way for us to have hope. Let's be united, kind and courageous and find our training programs from the scriptures. Let's be reverent when we should be and never forget how much Heavenly Father loves us - especially when things are hard.

I really love Him.

General Conference, New Temples, The Gospel and being with family make me SO HAPPY!