Ok, now I am panicking

Since I graduated from BYU-I I have been contemplating grad school. I finally found a program up at BYU that interest me. And so I had to bite the bullet and register to take the GRE. And I am terrified, petrified, discombobulated...I don't remember the last time I was this scared. OK maybe heading off to Brazil came close. But even when I was heading to who know where in Maine for an internship, I wasn't this scared or worried. Everyone I talk to tells me its not that bad. However I have gone online and done some of the practice tests and they....worry me to say the least. Who uses those words and that problem solving. I have lots of problems and I don't need to do those computations. I always considered myself fairly academic and somewhat smart. But now I am starting to question my academic ability. It's a good thing I already forked over the $140 to take the test or else I might consider pulling out. Please those who have taken it before give me words of comfort, tips, answers, anything. Prayers would be good. I am taking it on Saturday, January 3. Happy New Year! This week I am spending lots of time in the library. Which shows some of my desperation. Even when I was in school I didn't spend that much time in the library.

Merry Christmas day

I hope everyone had a joyful Christmas. I know I did.

Christmas Eve we had everyone over for dinner. We played games. We filmed a little nativity starring Benjamin as baby Jesus. We used to do this every year when we were younger and send it to my grandparents who lived in Maryland. Then we got to open one present which of course were pajamas (another resurrected tradition.) 

Christmas morning my family has a tradition, some people might call it absurd, we sleep in, we shower, get dressed, eat a big breakfast, clean up and then we go in and open presents. Oh yeah and we go in one by one so my dad can film each one of us separately.  Sometimes we don't start doing the presents thing until 10 or 10:30.  Yes when I was younger I got very antsy and it nearly killed me to wait so long. But now it is actually really nice to spread out and make it last. I was very excited with what I received. A book, DVD, little crockpot, an Eric Dowdle framed print of Jerusalem and a bike. Which I can't really use right now but I am really excited for when I can use.

The bike is a model called a hybrid. It's not a road bike and its not a mountain bike. The frame is a little different. The handle bars are higher up so your back doesn't get sore. Its super light which I really like. Its not a super expensive bike but its not a Wal mart bike neither. So I am pretty happy with it.

  

Girls Night Out!!

Our first annual girl's night out at the Nutcracker.

Look what Santa left us...isn't he cute!

This is better than a puppy. I think we'll keep him.

These are a few of my favorite things...

Peanut butter and homemade strawberry jam
Paisley and Daisies
Brothers and Sisters
Laughing till it hurts
Nephews
Peaches and Strawberries
Driving/Roadtrips
Grandma's house
Sleeping under the stars
Spending a day at the lake
Stamps in my passport
Seeing new places
Experiential Education
Getting good and sweaty
Garden vegetables
Turquoise and pink
Four Seasons
Summer
Flip flops and hoodies
New running shoes
Dark Chocolate
Sewing
Wasting a day reading every now and then
Finding five bucks in a pocket that I had forgotten about
A weekend in the mountains (actually a week)
The Happiest Millionaire (Old Disney Movie)
Sunday afternoon naps
Running in the morning out in the middle of no where
A good date
Being right
Climbing trees
Surprises
Making Christmas presents
Big snow storms
Old movies (I mean the classics, before the 70s and 80s)
Filling up my car for under 20 dollars
Hearing from friends
Eating until I'm stuffed
Winning at games
my electric blanket
vacation days
finishing everything on a to do list
Still fitting into clothes I wore in high school=)

Under Contruction

So I was trying out some different backgrounds to add to the Christmas spirit. And while I was working my mom's laptop died on me. So that is why my colors don't match and it looks a little weird. But it is going to look that way a little longer because I don't feel like taking the time to fix right now.

This song of mine, In three-quarter time....

This is one of my favorite lines from a Christmas song. It is random and but it rhymes.  It comes from the Christmas Waltz sung by the Carpenters, but others sing it too, like Sinatra, Harry, Buble.  (sigh) Every time I hear it no matter where I am I have to sing out that line.
"It's that time of year when the world falls in love
Ev'ry song you hear seems to say "Merry Christmas,
"May your New Year dreams come true"
And this song of mine in three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours the same thing, too

I hope everyone is having a great Christmas Season and is taking opportunity to enjoy all the little moments of it before it slips by again.
Full lyrics found HERE.

YA HOOO!!

It cost under $20 to fill up my car!!!!!

I'm thankful for...

Family, friends, nephew, church leaders, a warm home, a good job, sisters, sister-in-law, jobs, college education, good health, safety, my car, my bed, my roommates,  callings, laughter, little brothers, laptops, music, Disneyland, dishwasher, smiles, funny dog tricks, fast bus, vacations, internet, email, shoes, electricity, institute,  hot showers...and the list goes on.

Go Hug an Accountant

I declare this day (and everyday) to be the official, national hug an accountant day. I feel this is important because many of us are unaware of what accountants go through. As many of you know I work for Zions Bank. And they offer many learning opportunities and courses in order to help you advance in your career. Many of my coworkers have encouraged me to take advantage of these opportunities. So I thought why not. I love learning. So I started taking the courses offered specifically for commercial lending, the first one being an accounting course. I have never taken any accounting classes in my life and this was a course that covers in three day what would normally take 2 weeks.

After the first day I was wondering who in their right mind would ever want to study this stuff let alone do it everyday for a living. After the second day I wanted to go hug my brother who is an accounting major. After seeing more of what accountants do I was really glad there are people out there who want to do it. And after the third day I realized that although I would almost rather eat dirt then do accounting I could actually do it. I am by no means an expert but it was starting to make sense to me and it was kinda fun WHEN everything balanced like it should. I, by no means, plan on returning to school to become a CPA. But I am very grateful for those accountants out there.

So all of you out there who know an accountant, GO GIVE THEM A HUG!!!

Changing everyday!!!

Life is great having Benjamin here. He's changing everyday. He is becoming more alert and it is fun to watch him while he looks are the room and checks everything out. And it is even more fun to hold him while he sleeps.
These are my favorite moments.

Just call me AUNTIE SARAH!

Since I was about 7 years old I have wanted to be something, something great, amazing, and cool. This something is an aunt. Since I am the oldest you can imagine the wait has been very long. This dream finally came true this week. Tuesday, November 4th Benjamin was born. And he is the cutest nephew in the world. It was a privilege to be there with Jacob and my mom and sisters to act like we were helping Cori through labor and delivery, though she really was doing all the work to get him here. And she worked hard. She is amazing.

Wanted: Cute shoes that are comfortable and that I can wear to work.

I am on a quest. This quest is to find comfortable business type shoes that I can wear to work. Most women at work wear four inch pump, pizza or peek-a-boo toe. These shoes are darling and they are often the difference between a great outfit and a fabulous one. But wearing them all day?!?! I can’t do it. I’ll admit I love dressing up cute and topping it off with a great pair of sexy heels. However a few hours in the evening or at church is my max, I can maybe make an exception for a special occasion like my sisters' weddings. But on those special occasions I general spending the day thinking to myself "Don't fall. Don't fall. Please don't fall." I have too much to do at work to have time to remind myself not to fall. And when I’m getting ready at six in the morning, I very rarely feel fabulously beautiful when I am running out the door before 7am. And sexy shoes wouldn't help change that. If I could have my way I would wear running shoes or flip flops everyday. Those are my favorite shoes. Unfortunately they are discriminated against in the business world. I know they say pain is the cost of beauty. But when it comes to my feet comfort comes first. So I am on a quest to find cute comfy shoes that won't drain my savings account. Any suggestions???

National Pet Peeves Week

For all those who didn't already know, this week is National Pet Peeve Week. Yesterday morning I was listening to radio while I thought about getting out of bed and I heard about for the first time. All this time I could've been celebrating but I had no idea. I had to put some deep thought into this in order to come up with a list of my pet peeves. I don't have a lot because it takes a lot to annoy me. But here it goes...

#5 Alarm Clocks
#4 When annoying little stains magically appear on my clothes.
#3 Excessive Speed Bumps.
#2 This became one more recently. Campaign advertisements where all they do is put down and blame their opponent for the problems of the world. Come on, grow up and do some real campaigning. Hmph!

and drum roll...my #1 pet peeve is...I didn't have to think to come up with this one...

When cars run red lights. Particularly when they are turning left and they keep turning after their light has turned red. And even more, when those going straight don't make it through the light because the other cars kept turning when it wasn't their turn. GRRRR…

And there you have it folks. My top 5 pet peeves. Happy Pet Peeves Week!!!

"I want to be at the Cabin" Fever...

For two weeks I have been looking forward to going the "Brakey's" cabin for conference weekend. We did our shopping and had everything ready to go. Then we heard the awful words: rain, snow, mud, four wheel drive, chains.  OH MAN!!! We were advised not to go because the road getting up and down from the cabin would be hazardous due to the storm coming in. Sniff, sniff. So we had a family sleep over at my parents. And it was just like we were at the cabin...except we had electricity, cell phone reception, lap tops, WII...Yeah just like the cabin. 

What is Serum???

Does anybody know what serum is? I heard someone recommend it for skin care. And I've seen it in a couple of skin care lines. But I have tried to do some research, some being the key word, really not to in depth. Anyway, to find out why it is so good for you skin and I got nothing. What I got is that it is something in blood and plasma. How does that relate to skin care? Do any of you beauty experts know?????

Hurricane Grey!

See this little guy. He hasn't always been this little. When I first got him about 8 years ago he was 5 inches long. He's gotten a lot of use. And he's been a lot of places with me. Ricks, England, Ireland, France, Brazil, Mexico, BYU-Idaho, London again, and Israel. I've decided, since he almost disappears in the sharpener, its time to retire him. He's been faithful and kept me looking good. He stayed with me and never got lost. And I've stuck with him. What can I say. When you find a good thing why try anything else.

i am emma woodhouse

You are Emma Woodhouse of Emma! You like being the queen of your social circle (small and provincial as it may be), and feel it's your duty to help those less influential than you. You often meddle in the affairs of others, though you do it with a pure heart. You are often deluded in your flights of fancy, but your good intentions and creative spirit make you someone anyone could like.

Take the Quiz here!

Sister Mary Steinway

Tickets for the Show: $6

Treats at intermission: $2


Camera to capture the moment: $150


A picture of my mom dressed up like a nun: PRICELESS!

This is my mom in her debut performance. Playing Sister Mary Steinway in Nunsense. Now playing at the Sugar Factory Playhouse through September 29. You'll laugh so hard you'll pee your pants!

Automotive tip #46123

On Saturday I was on went to a Colors concert at the Sandy amphitheater and I pulled into the parking lot and all of a sudden there is a whole bunch of "smoke" (we later realize it was steam) coming from my car. We (my cousin was with me) jump out to investigate and we see fluids gushing from underneath my car. "HMMMM. This is random." I've had my car for four years and I have never had a single problem at all. Not even a flat tire. Ok, so I've been a little spoiled. Well, we had a concert to get to and I wasn't too worried anyways. I know how to fix any problem with my car. I call Daddy.

I called my dad. He came to the rescue. We found a puncture in the hose. Thank goodness that was all. I knew how to fix that one without the help of my dad. DUCT TAPE. Which is exactly what we did to patch the hole until I could go buy a new hose this week.

The moral of this story is...keep a role of duct tape in your car. It holds the world and my car together.

PS. The concert was fabulous.

Cilantro!!!

You Are Cilantro

The bad news is that there are some people who can't stand you. (Sorry Jill) The good news is that most people love you more than anything else in the world. You are distinct, unusual, fresh, and very controversial. And you wouldn't have it any other way.

What Spice Are You?

Good Bye Summer!!

I love September. And as much as I love summer I love it when it starts to cool off. It givies me motivation to start running. Backwards, I know. Usually people run more during the swimsuit season. But I like to run when its cold outside. The whole summer I've been dragging feet as I went out to go running. Mostly because of the heat but also because I really need a new route. But as soon as that crisper air is outside I have to get out and go.

Many of you know that I have been happily unemployed this summer. And I've enjoyed every minute of it. Fortunately and unfortunately those days are over. I started a new job this week. I am back at Zions Bank. I am ok with it. Its not the job I hoped for but it will be a good job. I am a loan specialist in the corporate banking department. So far I like it. There is a lot for me to learn. But I really like the people I work with. I am one of three women in the department. And I like it. There is so much less drama and men are just good to work with. No offense women. And I know not all women are like that, but I really enjoy working with men.

I loved my summer. It was full of travels and trips and fun. But I guess it is time to move on.

8/28/2008; 11:06 am

The time finally came. Grandpa did all he needed to. All of his kids got a chance to talk to him one last time. It was a neat experience being there all that time. There were some neat things that happened. Although Grandpa was in a coma and unresponsive, little things happened that told us he was there with us and he could hear the things we were saying to him. This past week was definitely a high spiritual week.

Thursday morning about 10:45, Bekah and I noticed another change in his breathing. We called my mom and told her she better come. About fifteen minutes later he started pausing for several seconds in between breaths. After a few minutes of this I knew the end was very close and I was worried my mom wasn't going to make it. A few seconds later she hurried in the door. She told him to go ahead and just go. I told him we loved him. Seconds later he was gone. It is a very real thing when a spirit leaves a body. All of a sudden it was just a body and not Grandpa. Although we couldn't see the spirit we saw the body as he left and there was a definite change. It was...wow. I was there for the births of my younger brother and sister and this is definitely up there with that on the list of the most spiritual things I have witnessed. We know that he was waiting for my mom to get there before he left also. The timing was so perfect.

Back to real life. We aren't too stressed. Most everything is ready for the funeral which will be Monday. I have been asked to give the life sketch as the oldest "ours" grandchild. Heaven help me get through it. I should be fine. This whole week has helped me prepare. I have actually cried most of my tears watching him suffer through Alzheimer's disease the past year. I am feeling more relief and happiness for him now.

Keeps going and going...

Here we are...still...watching Grandpa...waiting for him to make his move...We've decided to change the cover of the funeral program from the angel Moroni to the Energizer Bunny. We feel OK laughing about it because, thankfully, he appears to be comfortable and at peace. For some reason he needs to be here on earth a little longer. And we are willing to wait for as long as it takes. In the meantime we are enjoying being near him and reading his journals. I've been reading some entries from his missionary journal. He wrote in this journal throughout five of his six missions. It's amazing the vision he had. He was excited about the work. He loved being in the service of God wherever he was sent. He gave all he could. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and missionary.

I have also become a member of this Alzheimer's community. It is fun to interact with the other residents. This is a pretty happy place to be considering the situation these people are in. The staff here do their best to keep the residents happy and comfortable. They are doing their best to keep us comfortable as well. I recommend Alta Ridge Assisted Living. Who knows I might even decide to move in here. If Grandpa decides to stick around for a while he and I can be roommates. And he might. The nurse said that his heart and vitals are strong. I am amazed at the capabilities of the human body and it's desire to survive. His heart is going to keep the rest of him alive.

Still Breathing

Another day, night, and day has gone by and Grandpa is still breathing and his heart is still beating away. Its been a bit of a surreal experience watching and waiting for someone to die. It can be a bit exhausting emotionally too. He doesn't look like Grandpa anymore. He hasn't eaten or drunk anything since last Friday. And yet his body keeps going. We talk to him. Rub his hands. No response. Just breathing. We haven't had any monumental spiritual experiences yet. Just the feeling peace and comfort. We've had lots of time to talk about his exceptional life and appreciate the example of service and love that he has left for all of us. And if anything we've grown closer as a family.

Bear Lake and Alta Ridge

This past weekend we had a super summer activity for the singles ward at Bear Lake. And it was excellent. We rented a SWEET lodge in Laketown and we had boats and sea doos. I am huge fan of Bear Lake. The water is so beautiful and fresh. The lodge we rented was the best. It had six suites. A big game room in the basement with a theater and a huge living area for socializing and eating. The whole activity was a huge success. Everyone had fun and no one got hurt. I can end my summer satisfied because I can still get up on ski no problem.

Caron, my sisters and I went up the night before to check things out and have a bit of fun before the rest of the party got up there. We used our usual sleeping arrangements. Anywhere we could find off the road. And we had great time sleeping underneath the stars.

Before coming home from the activity we got word from my mom that my grandpa, who has been battling Alzheimer's disease for the last few years, got some fluid into his lungs and went into a non-response state with up to 72 hours to live. And since his wishes are "DNR" (do not resuscitate) there was nothing we could do but let him go.

After we got home, we met as a family where he was and my dad and brother gave him a blessing letting him know it was OK to go. It was hard to hear but we all knew that it was right. He has been living in a personal hell. And it was hard for us to watch him go through it.

Its been two days and I am still here with him waiting for him to go. My mom, sisters, aunt and I stayed with him all Saturday night. Not the most pleasant night of my life. He lived through it but we could hear the suffering in his breathing and moans. On Sunday they gave him morphine and he slept. Its now Monday morning and I am still here listening to his breathing waiting for the last one to come. His heart is not ready to quit. His mind was suffering but his body was still very healthy. That is why this whole incident was a surprise. We were told that he could live for years. But we've been praying for something to happen so he wouldn't have to suffer anymore.

The whole experience has caused me to reflect on a lot of things. Death (naturally) and what comes after, what might be happening now on the other side of the veil, those that could be present in this room supporting him from the other side of the veil, what is his spirit going through now. My uncle made interesting statement. Just like we go through labor to get into this life, we go through labor to get out. I've certainly watched him labor and wondered, and prayed for it to end. His heart is going to beat all it can.

Changing it up

So I have wanted to change my background for a while. But I haven't wanted to sit at my computer long enough to do it. But I finally did it. It might change a few more times because I'm not sure if I am settled on this one.

MY IDOL

(I would have this posted sooner, but I kinda got caught up in a book=)
Let me tell you something that you might not know. I have an amazing sister. Actually I four amazing sisters and a spectacular sister-in-law. But I want to focus on one right now.

HANNAH JANE HINTZE

Let me tell you a story starting on Sunday, August 29, at 5 am. Actually the story probably begins back in January while we were absorbed in watching the Davids compete for the next American Idol. One evening watching it Hannah says, "I want to audition for American Idol someday." And I replied "Great. I will drive you." So we planned on it, looking forward to a road trip. Conviniently, because of gas prices, we discovered that the auditions were coming right here to Salt Lake City.


And that brings us 5 o'clock in the morning standing in line at the Energy Solutions Arena, with the rest of the idol hopefuls, waiting for our turn to register. By 8 am we had our wristbands on and the info we needed for the actual auditions on Tuesday. Since we were already in town and it was Sunday morning we decided to stay for Music and the Spoken Word with the Osmonds, which was a lot of fun. We got seats up on the 10th row. Nine rows behind the prophet.

Now that we had our wristbands all we could do now was wait for the next 48 hours to go by and then we would return once again to the Arena. And that brings us once again to Tuesday. Once again 5 o'clock in the morning waiting. This part of the story is absolutely ridiculous. There is no point in us being there at 5 am. They won't let us in until 8. The judges don't even show up until 9 or 10. And we have a ticket with an assigned seat. The only reason they want us there so early is so they can get their TV shot of the crowds lined up ready to be the next American Idol. So Hannah the "so eager to be on TV person" person that she is promptly steals the pillow I brought and lays down and falls asleep. While everyone around is pining for the camera to come around and interview them. As luck would have it the camera did find us. Fortunately Hannah had woken up by then, or else I would've had all the spotlight. Some guy from one of the other seasons started interviewing me. However since I wasn't the one auditioning I turned the spotlight over to Hannah.

They finally let us in at 8ish. As everyone was finding their seats in the Delta Cen..., I mean the energy solutions arena (dumb), they were working on group numbers. I have no idea what for, but it was fun to sing with everyone. They also shot a bunch of crowd cheering shots and then Ryan Secrest came in to shoot some shots with the crowds. He was fun to watch. He is very personable and good with the crowd. He know what makes a good shot.

Then it came time to line up. Down on the main floor they set up the judging booths. They took one section at a time and lined them up by fours. By fours they went and stood in front of a judge (these judges were the producers.) and they each got a few seconds to step up and sing and convince the judge that they were the next American Idol. After singing the judges either let you through or not. These judges were pretty harsh. I saw then turn down so many people with talent and very few people got through in the time we were there. Fortunately we were in the third section. So Hannah didn't have to wait all day for her turn. She was ready for this. She looked good and she was prepared. And was incredibly calm. I was probably more nervous and anxious then she was. I watched her line up and head down as confident as ever and then I watched her in front of the judge. (from a distance) Unfortunately this judge did not know a good thing when he saw it. Even right in front of his nose. All well. Hannah got to check one more thing off of her life goals. She is amazing and she will always be my IDOL!!!

Retired T-Shirts and Other Unfinished Projects

I planned on having lots of free time this summer to work on a few unfinished projects that I have been accumulating through the years. However I didn't plan on having to job hunt. So that has been taking up some of my summer. As well as working a few hours sewing for my cousin. In spite of these few set backs I have found time to work on a few projects.

One of them is a T-shirt quilt that I have been saving old t-shirts for. I also went through my drawer and decided to retire a few more shirts to add them to the collection. It took me a day to get the top done and then I found an awesome orange jersey flat sheet at DI for 2 bucks that I will put on the back. SCORE!!

I haven't quite got the back on yet so this is still on the unfinished projects list but is a lot closer to being done.

The other project I sat down and did not get up till it was done, I finally finish my duffel bag that I started a few months ago. Cute huh!?! I wanted to make if for a temple bag. It turned out a bit bigger than I thought it would. But it will still work.

Those who might be worried about the previous comment about job hunting. No worries. It was decided and agreed on that the job that I had was not the best fit for me. So I am in the search and market for that awesome job that will be a better fit. I've sent in a bunch of resumes, and I've had a few responses. I'm not too stressed about it yet. I have faith that the right thing will happen. Whatever it may be. However if anyone has any leads to anything I am certainly interested. Something in the area of Social work and/or recreation. I love both. Tchau.

The Places I Went...The People I met!!

I know I've been home for a over a week and I still haven't posted anything about my trip. Sorry. There are a couple of reasons for that. One is that I hate organizing multiple pictures on blogger. And after many attempts to get it in a way that I am satisfied with I gave up and did a slide show with Picasa. So here are a few picts and highlights of my trip.

*Land in Cairo--I can't believe I'm in Africa!!!
*Wore a robe to cover my "immodesty" in the Citadel Mohammad Ali Mosque
*Visited the Cairo Museum where I stood face to face with King Tut's death mask.
*Ate lunch on the Nile
*Explored the tombs in the Valley of the Kings
*Flew to Luxor, had a great view of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings from my hotel balcony.
*Visit the City of the Dead and the Valley of the Kings--It's amazing how old those tombs and well preserved they were.
* Stood next to a great statue of the Ramses II, his ear was bigger than me.
*Sailed across the Nile in a felucca (sailboat)
*Wondered through the pillars of Karnak (one of the man-made travel wonders.)
*Ran around the scrarub beetle 3 times for a little added luck at Karnak.
*Attempted to decipher hieroglyphics in the Temple of Luxor.
*Climbed into the tomb of the largest of the Giza Pyramids (the last of the ancient wonders of the world)
*I walked through the oldest market in the middle east.
*I passed under the Suez Canal which divides Africa from Asia. Which means a was on two different continents within two minutes.
*I was in Asia, Near East, but also Asia.
*I rode a camel up Mt Sinai to watch the sunrise. My camel's name was Abdal. I didn't find the burning bush. In fact I didn't see any bushes up there.
*I snorkeled in the Red Sea. It was so cool.

*I went to Jordan. I never in my life dreamed I would go there.
*I explored Petra in search for the Holy Grail. No luck. Found the Treasury, but no Grail.
*I saw the view Moses saw before the Children of Israel entered the valley.

*I swam where Christ walked. (Sea of Galilee)
*I read about the miracles that Christ performed on the shores where he preformed them.
*I walked through the hills where Jesus walked. I know we don't know the exact locations of where things happened. But it was just cool being in that area. Seeing the things that he would've seen. The hills, the "sea," the sky, the trees. Things that inspired his parables. The city on the hill.
*I drove through the valley of Jezreel. Or otherwise known as Armageddon.
*I dabbled in the Mediterranean sea. I didn't get stung by jelly fish!!
*I read Matt. 5 on top of Mt Beatitudes.
*I visited Capernaum. It's not just a name of a place in the Bible. Its an actual place.
*I floated in the Dead Sea. It was one of the coolest things I've done.
*I took a tram to the top of Masada
*I saw the cave where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.
*I traveled the road Christ would've traveled to Jerusalem.
*OLD CITY. Need I say more. "I'm actually here."
*I touched stones from Kings Solomons Temple in the Rabbinic tunnels.
*I walked along the Via Dolores.
*I walked along the Temple Mount.
*I stared in awe at the Dome the Rock. "I'm actually here."
*I waded through Hezekiah's Tunnel.
*I saw the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Book of Isaiah.
*I sang Far far away on Judea Plains on the Judea Plains.
*I sang Oh Little Town of Bethlehem in Bethlehem.
*I sang Christmas hymns on the 4th of July in a Shepards' field overlooking Bethlehem.
*I was chased down by a jewish women at the Western Wall who gave me a shawl to once again cover my "immodesty."
*I left a prayer in the Wailing Wall.
*I walked through the Garden of Gethsemane.
*I pondered the crucifixion and the resurrection in the Garden Tomb. Wonderful.

Did I say I was going to give you a few highlights? Well, the whole adventure was full of highlights. Each day I was more amazed that I was even there. Of course I didn't go to help my testimony grow, but it was great to see that part of the world where the Bible took place. I have a better perspective and even a connection to the events that happened in those holy places. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Hurrah for Israel!!!

The bag is packed. (Yes one suitcase. And its the small one. I'm good like that.) And I am ready to go. The adventure starts tonight at midnight. I'll have about 12 hours in New York to mess around and then we're off to the Near East and Africa.

I don't plan on blogging for the next two weeks however if you want a day to day update there are some people who will be keeping a blog of our travels. Linked here Sand'N Seas.

Ate Mais

Returning to my roots.

Three days until departure. To pass the time I've been doing a lot studying. In some of the information the tour has given us it mentions that everyone can trace their ancestry back to Egypt and Israel. Which seem absolutely logical, but I have found that my link to the Holy Land goes back only a few generations.

I've been reading a book that that my aunt gave my dad for Christmas and my dad passed on to me called Holy Land; A history of the Latter-day Saints in the Near East. (LaMar C. Berrett, Blair G. Van Dyke) This is an interesting book. Even at the early stages of the church gathering Israel in this part of the country was a priority.

In October 24, 1941 Orson Hyde was the first to dedicate the Holy Land. The Holy Land was dedicated 10 other times. All by apostles except for the fifth time. That rededication was performed by Ferdinand Hintze, under the direction of Elder Lund of the Quorum of the Twelve. And I have the privilege of calling him great, great grandpa.

I knew some of the history of my grandfather from family histories that have been passed down through the generations. However there is a whole lot I didn't know that I am learning from this book. I knew that he was born in Denmark. Came to Utah as a boy and settled in Holladay. He had four wives. I am from the third wife. I knew that he served many missions and that he translated the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants into Turkish.

I didn't know that he was the third missionary to go to the Turkish mission. He also became the first mission president of that mission, which at the time was part of the Ottoman Empire and included the Holy Lands. He assisted in establishing several branches throughout the area. He introduced the gospel to the Armenian people and is known as the father of the Turkish and Armenian missionary effort. He proposed that a Mormon colony be set up in the Near East as a place for the persecuted saints to settle. He was called on a second mission to Turkey (1987). In 1898 he was called and sustained as pastor of the Turkish mission. (Similar to to a bishop and district president.) As pastor, on May 8, 1898,"he was invited by Elder Lund (apostle) to act as a voice in a prayer of dedication on the Mount of Olives. This act alone is significant, since such prayers are usually reserved for apostolic witnesses." (129) He dedicated the land of Israel "for the return of Judah and the house of Israel." (134) The next day he preformed the first latter-day baptism in Jerusalem.

This all may seem insignificant, because its not as if the church is huge in those areas. However it is the effort of those early missionaries that opened the door for the church's existence there today. (349)

Learning all these things about my Gr Gr Gpa made this trip a little more meaningful to me. Not only am I going to the Holy Lands where Christ lived (which is huge, I know) but I am also going to a place where my great, great grandfather served as a missionary and worked to build Christ's kingdom once more in this land. The book mentions several times that he was a great man and he had strong convictions about the work he was doing. He loved the people and worked hard to bring them the truth. It not only gives me something to be proud of, but to live up to.

(Pict of my gr gr gpa and my gr gpa, Henry, right before he left on a mission to Denmark.Gpa Henry was also amazing.)

Sweet...Lets go

We just had a pre-tour meeting and I am so excited to go. I even pulled out my suitcase. I haven't started packing but I started throwing in odds and ends in. It was fun to meet people in the group and Brother Gunnerson who is the tour director. Here are some cool things that I learned.

• A camel ride up Mt Sanai is only 10 dollars.
• Scuba diving at Eliat is 25 dollars.
• Alabaster is a type of rock.
• Most vendors and merchants accept American dollars, which will make shopping and bartering easier.
• You can drown in the Dead Sea if start out facing the wrong way.
• Did you know that shouldn't drink the water in Egypt? Ok maybe that one is a bit obvious.

I am really ready to go. A couple of the members have started a blog which they will update as we go. I will post it before we go.

I've heard a complaint that I don't update my blog enough, something I will try to do better at.

Update

I've been a slacker when it comes to blogging. Unfortunately the ideas have not been coming. But here are some things that have been going on.

• UMMM...UMMMM Ok not much.
• I had a fun birthday. Thank you to everyone who came to the movie. It was great to have you there. It was a pretty good show. However it took me a little while to become friends with some of the Narnia characters. I didn't love them right off like I did in the first one.
• I'm going to be an aunt. I've known for a little while, and I've told a few people. But I haven't been able to make it public until Cori and Jake made the official announcement. Due on Halloween. (Trick or Treat) And today we found out that it is a boy. Which is amazing. Boys are a rarity in my family. Including extended family. Congrats to them.
• We had an awesome ward activity last week. A cultural night. Everybody brought a piece of the world they had been to and shared it with us. It was great and there was a lot of food.
• This the final week of school. (Yahoo!!) Which also means the countdown to Egypt and Isreal has begun. I've been doing lots of reading, most of which I might not remember when we get there but it will still be the adventure of a life time.
• Last week Caleb and I rode our bikes to work/school. 9.4 miles. It was a good ride and Caleb did a great job. On the way home I thought it would be fun to take the Jordan Parkway Route. Come to find out it doesn't go all the way from 123rd to 106th and we had to turn around and go back to 123rd and just go the normal way.
• I have been "fuming" (hehe) about the drastic, constant rise in gasoine prices the last few weeks. I've started biking or walking whenever possible. Which I don't mind doing most of the time. It just makes me mad though. We can change our driving habits, however our whole lifestyle is still affected by it since the rise causes the prices of everything else in this world to go up!!!! Except for my salary!!! Grrrr! (Tears)(sigh) Remember those days when a cheap enjoyable Sunday activity was a drive through the canyon. They are just a memory now. Unless you are on your bike. Not a bad idea.

okay that's enough rambling for now but don't worry there is more where that came from.

Ok, so this tag is a bit old. I'm slow.

"But then what are the stars for," asked Leah

The rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book
2. turn to page 123
3. find the 5th sentence
4. post the 5th sentence
5. tag some people
I tag: Tami, Cori, Bekah,

Homemade strawberry jam...mmm mm good!!!

All year long I wait for summer to come so that strawberries will go on sale and my mom will by a big case of them and spend a day making strawberry jam. However I have been having a craving for strawberry jam (like I usually do this time of year) and then I thought I could make strawberry jam. I don't have to wait for my mom to make it for me. And so I bought the strawberries, the sure jell, and sugar. Mixed them all together...and VOILA. My very own strawberry jam. Yum. What a happy day! I can make my own strawberry jam.

ATTN: NARNIA ALERT!!!

Attn: On May 16 Prince Caspian comes to theaters. That also happens to be another important day. My birthday!! I would like to get a group together to go see it sometime that day. Let me know if you are interested. Tickets are already on sale at Carmike. Probably other theaters too. I haven't checked availibility yet. I would like to get it organized soon. I really think its going to be good and I am excited for it. So lets go. If you aren't too interested in the movie. Humor me and come anyway. Its my birthday.

Next time won't you sing with me.

A - Attached or single? Single.
B - Best friend? My sisters
C - Comfort food? Peanut butter and jelly.
D - Day of choice? Sunday
E - Essential item? Chapstick
F - Favorite color? Torquoise, Teel, Bright blue.
G - Gummy bears or worms? Bears
H - Hometown? Good old WJ.
I - Indulgences? Chocolate chip cookies.
J - January or July? July. 4th of July is my favorite holiday. Fireworks Yay!
K - Kids? Someday.
L - Life isn’t complete without…? Humor, Laughing.
M - Marriage date? "They say when you marry in June..." -7 Brides for 7 Brothers.
N - Number of brothers and sisters? 4 sisters. 2 brothers.
O - Oranges or apples? Oranges. Apples, good, but make me more hungry.
P - Phobias or fears? Falling
Q - Quote? "Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can."--Eliza Bennet (Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen) Life is funny. Don't forget to laugh.
R - Reason to smile? Life. See Q.
S - Season of choice? Summer, season of play.
T - Tag six: Cori, Hannah, whoever wants to do it.
U - Unknown fact about me? hmmm, coming soon.
V - Vegetable? Peppers (green, red, orange, yellow.)
W - Worst habit? Cracking my knuckles. I hate it.
X - X-ray or ultrasound? what kind of question is that?
Y - Your favorite food? Yes.
Z - Zodiac sign? Taurus.

ahh London. A few of my favorite things.

So when I wasn't skipping around singing "I'm in London. I'm in London," These are a few of the things that I did.

#1 Good old Big Ben. One of our first stops shortly after we arrived. After 10 hours on an airplane, a half hour train ride and a short ride on a double decker bus we got to heart of London. (By the end of this day I was going on 35 hours and no sleep.)

#2 Right around the corner we come to West Minister. Actually our first stop and also one of the last for me. Sunday night I attended an evening service. Interesting. There was a soprano soloist who's voice echoed through the whole cathedral. At the end of the service you get to exit through the big wooden front doors.

#3 Windsor Castle: the official residence of The Queen. Although she only goes there two times a year. Easter and some time in June. This wasn't on Lindsey list of things to see like it was on my so we decided in order for us to both see things that we wanted to see we would need to split up. I was just fine running around by myself. I decided it was easier because could go the speed I wanted and spend the time I wanted.

#4 Wicked (sigh). I finally got to see Wicked and I got to see it in London. How lucky am I?!? I thought it was fabulous.

#5 Can you guess where this is?... Here's another hint....
Plat form 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station. In case you can't read it. I tried to jump through but it didn't work. I must be muggle.

#6 Hampton Court Palace. Home of Henry VIII. Lots of fun. A place where I could spend hours wandering and getting lost and enjoy every minute of it. Henry VIII was there and I would've asked for a picture but I like my head where it is and I didn't want to risk it.

The Gardens were a fair prospect and I could very well fancy myself there always. One section of the garden was completely daffodils. It was gorgeous.

#7 "Portobello road, Street where the riches of ages are stowed. Anything and everything a chap can unload, Is sold off the barrow in Portobello road.You’ll find what you want in the Portobello road." Within the most pleasant part of London. Notting Hill. You will find one of the best markets. Half of it is antiques. And you can literally find anything you want. And there there is food, jewelry and clothing. Why doesn't America have more markets?

#8 Tower of London is always worth a few hours of your trip. At least a few hours. There is so much history in this castle. And the crown jewels are always worth the wait in line.

#9 Imperial War Museum. I spent more time here then I planned on. Which meant I didn't get to some of the other museums that I wanted to. But it was worth the time. They had great displays about all the wars and other conflicts, starting with WW I. Including a nice Holocaust display. It was interesting to learn about the British view of the different wars.

#10 St. Paul's Cathedral. One of my all time favorite buildings. I could sit and look at it for hours and then go inside and look some more. It is amazing. I didn't make to the top or the whispering gallery. However on Easter I went to a Evensong. (Catholic Choirside) It was beautiful. My seat was in front right under the dome. And the music rang throught the whole building. It is always interesting to listen to sermons of other religions and participate in their services. After the service we got to exit through the big wooden doors. I was awestruck. I didn't get any Easter treats this year, but this whole trip was a treat.