On a Wednesday

Christmas jammies, hot cocoa, and some blog-stalking. It's a healthy way to spend the night. 

PS: How do we feel about this Instagram sorta thing that my camera can do? Totally fad-tastic? Or just a wannabe? I am genuinely looking for input here.

Thanks!

I have sinned.

First of all, you should know that I am listening to the Buble Christmas album as I write this. I have debated all season over buying it, and that one missionary's mother gave it to me when I visited yesterday. I knew I always loved that family! (But for reals, best present ever.)


Christmas Eve in my family usually means lots of movies and lots of wrapping, and not a lot of leaving the house. This year was a little different. Today we went to Malawi's for lunch (which is amazing, by the way) to use up a gift card, and then all over town for some unnecessary shopping. Part of that shopping was at Williams-Sonoma.


If you're wondering, my favorite peppermint bark in the world is made by Williams-Sonoma. Also, it's stinkin' expensive.


So today Mom said she'd just run into the W.S. store to look at something real quick and then she'd be back. We were supposed to move the car to a closer parking spot in the meantime. Well, it does not require four bodies to move one car, so before the car got moving, I jumped out and followed her into the store. 


I walked right up to where she was standing and said a happy hello, noticing that she was right by the peppermint bark. She looked at me in a small panic and said, "You're supposed to be in the car!" 


Oops.


So I ruined that surprise. Since I suddenly knew about my present, Mom decided to declare that particular box of chocolate as family property. Not being a fan of this plan, I mused that maybe I could just buy my own box and savor it for the next month or so. Mom liked that idea. (No surprise! That means way more for the entire family...)


Essentially, it comes to this: instead of getting one free pound of my favorite peppermint bark, I did, in fact, buy my own pound of my favorite peppermint bark. $13.00. It was a worthy splurge, but don't think I don't wish I'd stayed in the car.

Nobody else in the world will eat a single bite of this. Sorry.

Seis Meses

At this moment, I think the thing I miss most about that one missionary is his hands. I've mentioned before that I have a thing for man hands. He's got really good man hands. I'll miss something different tomorrow, though.


I am also experiencing a serious need for his sense of humor. And I wouldn't mind having someone to just sit with, either. We're really good at just being, that one missionary and I.


During finals week, all I wanted was a quick conversation. He used to call on his lunch breaks at work, and I don't think I ever really understood why it was a big deal for him until just recently. When all you want is a break, and the only thing you don't have time for is a break, that quick phone call with that one person can do wonders. 

Good news: I get to talk to him on Sunday. 

More good news: 12.22.11 = 6 months. 

More good news: I got letters on Tuesday.

And even more good news: pictures!

"Me on the pyramid of the sun in a yellow tie holding up the pyramid of the moon"

I've said it before and I'll say it again: this boy is a gem. I think I'll keep him.

Birthday Boy

This little guy has completely stolen my heart in the last year:

He's all grown up now! You can tell because his hair is finally long enough for a solid mohawk. 

I'm so proud.

The list: 

1) He is the perfect baby. No joke. Not just saying that.

The end.

Emerson, I know you can't read, but I sure love you! Can't wait to be basement buddies with you in a few weeks. Thanks for your cute personality and big smiles, e'ry day. 

May you actually eat your own birthday cake next year.

Love, Auntie Lys.

Curse these dynamic views.

I looked through a stinkin' cute card-making catalog the other day. It made me want to change up my blog and live a life full of designer patterns and excellent color schemes. 


So I changed up my blog. And now I'm not sure if I like it. In fact, I lean toward strong dislike.


Therefore, this blog is now under construction. No judgments allowed if you stop by and it's in an ugly phase at the moment. And I think I should warn you that it very well may end up looking exactly the same as it did before I got this dumb hankering. 


Good thing we're between semesters right now, or this would really throw off my groove. 


PS: I would greatly appreciate any comments, criticisms, or ideas, for my well of creativity is all dried up at the moment. Gracias.

My newest obsession:

Mom found it. I love it.

Don't actually watch if you've ever felt awkward a day in your life. (But still listen.)

However, it's a pretty awesome music video. Might be worth it.

There's lots to interpret. I'm still trying to really understand what's going on.

Super weird, super awesome. Give it a chance.

Live from... my house.

It's been rather heartwarming around here lately. Not that that's a bad thing, but I think we'll switch it up a bit for today. 

Oh yeah. It's joke time, baby.

A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm and says, "I'll take a beer, and one for the road."

Q: Why do melons always have big weddings?
A: Because they cantaloupe!


Q: What do you call a blind deer in the forest?
A: No idear!


Q: What do you call a blind deer with no legs in the forest?
A: Still no idear!


Q: What do you call a blind deer with no legs and a dog on it's back in the forest?
A: Doggone it, still no idear!


(Man, those get me every time.)

Two peanuts were walking in the park. One was a-salted.

(Ha. HaHA.)

Q: How does Hitler tie his shoes?
A: With little Nazis.


Q: What did the Buddhist say to the hot dog vendor?
A: "Make me one with everything."

A grasshopper walks into a bar. Bartender says, "Hey, we've got a drink named after you!" and the grasshopper says, "You've got a drink named Steve?"

(Steve.)

Hope this could relieve some finals stress for y'all because it certainly did so for me. 

Humor is great. Jokes are the bomb. That is my life motto.

Over and out.

"Picture a Christmas"

Picture a stable in Judea:

Picture a sacred, silent night:

And can you hear the angels near:

And see the star so bright:

Picture the little baby Jesus: 

Think of His life and words so dear:

Sing praise to Him:

Remember Him, as you picture Christmas this year:

(Photo credit to Mariah for that very last one.)

(Lyrics from a favorite Primary song, found here.)

He's 50, but you wouldn't know it.

Happy birthday, father!

I know you all have seen this picture already. Tough.

My dad is so awesome. Check it out:

1) I know I say this about everyone, but his sense of humor is hilarious. Like he beats everyone else that I've already said it about.

2) He lives a very service-oriented life--to church, family, neighbors, strangers.

3) He listens to General Conference talks in his car, and he blasts MoTab.

4) He is Mr. Fix-It. He once changed our minivan's transmission all on his own. That's hard.

5) He has a strong testimony, and he lets us know it regularly. I admire that.

6) He also has strong opinions, and he lets us know them regularly. Don't say "Obama" at our house.

7) He works hard to support our family and to simply keep everyone happy.

8) He would love to live without TV and cell phones. I would love to join him. 

9) He teaches us by example. I know how he would have me act by watching how he acts.

10) He's shown me everything I need to look for in my future husband.

I've always had a special place in my heart for the idea of daddy-daughter relationships, which is because I've experienced an ideal one throughout my entire life. I could go on and on about the things I've learned from my dad, but I'd hate to show birthday favoritism, so I'll keep the list to 10 :)

I love you Dad! Thank you for everything you do for me every day. Happy birthday!

Tidings of Great Joy

Feel free to listen to today's favorite Christmas song arrangement as you read: 

 

This weekend was our big choir/orchestra Christmas concert. It was incredible to be a part of such a huge team, and the Christmas spirit was strong at every performance. Sister Applonie, the director of our choir, is one of the most inspiring people I've ever met, and she said something before each concert which I've thought about all weekend: 

"God's gift to us is His Son. His Son's gift to us is the Atonement. We must remember these most important gifts."

What a powerfully simple way to state the meaning of Christmas and the symbolism behind the gift-giving. I love that. 

Then, last night I attended the First Presidency Christmas Devotional up at Temple Square. President Uchtdorf spoke about the meaning of Christmas as well, and this quote stood out to me: 

"This may be the most one-sided gift exchange in the history of the universe. The Savior's gifts to us [immortality and forgiveness] are breathtaking...Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, not only are we guaranteed an infinite quantity of life, but he offers the possibility of an unimaginable quality of life as well."

What incredible gifts we receive if we but follow Him! We cannot repay the debts of these gifts, but that should never stop us from trying. He will accept our every effort, and then bless us with even more gifts in return. This is the never-ending cycle of His love, which is incomprehensibly perfect in every way.

It is true that the spirit of Christmas is not found in presents, but it is also important to remember these first and most important gifts, given by a loving Father and Son to each of us. Let us never forget the original example for our gift-giving, for God really does bless us, every one! And those are tidings of the greatest joy imaginable.