Dear Elder

Elder Davis,

It's your first Christmas away from home. This year will feel strange without you. We gave a lesson in church today about building up the new Zion in Independence, Missouri and it made me think of you. There. Serving a mission.

I miss you.

Brianne

Merry Christmas

This is us wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are so grateful for the wonderful family and friends we have. You all are wonderful, especially if you know we even have a blog!

A little off the rocker

I thought I show the finished result of this project we started quite a while ago when we still lived in Reno. Steven has fixed up a few rocking chairs in his day. He let me help pick out the fabric and paint for this one. We finally finished it this summer! (Thanks to the special help of a talented seamstress.) Now if we only had somewhere to put it, other than our basement...

Notice our other long term project there in the background...
a headboard for our bed that we made out of an old door
(and have never attached.)

Close up of the fabric.

A few weeks ago we found the perfect rocker for our next one. We already have the fabric picked for this one. (We got it the same day we bought the bee fabric at an eclectic fabric store in Ashland, OR.) This one has fabric on top and bottom. I can't wait to pick out colors and piece it all together!

Letters to myself

So this blogging thing...obviously not up my alley. I'm not sure how to present my life in this format I suppose, and honestly am not always certain I want to share my life with everyone. But I've decided to today.

I came across some "letters to myself" that I wrote back in high school. They were both assignments from church. I wrote the first one right after my freshman year on 6-11-00. It was supposed to be written by the future me and included things to remember along the way, along with things I would hope to have done. I was allowed to re-open this one on my 18th birthday.

The other was an assignment from my seminary teacher David Hardy (now Judge Hardy), whose name and "for Justice of the Peace" are stamped all over the stationary and envelope. This one was written on 5-21-02, a few weeks before graduation and was meant to be opened on my wedding day, or after one year on a mission. The assignment on this one was to write about a weakness that I struggled with then, and how I would want it to be a few years down the road.

I keep these letters along with with my patriarchal blessing, a special letter from my father, and a letter that I never gave to Steven right beside my bed. Whenever I read them I usually tear up. For many reasons. One, they give me a clear sense of who I am, who I've always been, and who I can become. Two, they remind me of things I've always deemed important. Three, they remind me that God loves me. Four, they give me renewed strength.

Sometimes when I think back to the past I expect to find a girl who was much stronger than the person I am now. But by reading these, I am actually filled with the encouragement that I am on the path that I was always meant to be; even though I may not have overcome certain challenges as gracefully as I would have hoped. Sometimes I look at my life and feel like I've messed it all up. But when I read my goals and hopes, I find that many of life's challenging situations have shaped me into a person I hoped I would become.

This reminds me that somewhere I have a list of goals that I made when I was a kid. I will have a to find it and post it here so you can be entertained by how close I have actually come to accomplishing everything on my list, with slight variations.

I guess the bottom line is that for me, listening to my own words from the past, and hearing what kind of person loved ones know me to be is a marvelous treasure. I am so grateful to have each of these, and know that I need to continue to do things like this so I can have it in the future!

Hello...from our garden

Month of Rubies

July, in my mind is the official month of summer. If you haven't had warm weather by this point then usually July makes up for it. Many family trips and reunions are planned during this month which rests symmetrically in the middle of the 3-month break from school. 

And the month, quite literally starts off with a bang, thanks to the fourth of July. My other favorite part comes at the end of the month, a day before pioneer day festivities. Needless to say this is definitely one of my favorite times of the year. 

This weekend we experienced our first Fourth in Pocatello. Without having much planned for the day I decided to dress it up a bit with some good grub. After searching through several recipes I settled on making a simple salsa dip, a cheese ball served with Wheat Thin crackers, classic potato salad, and chocolate-berry meringue. Here is a glance at our spread.

Honestly, I don't think I've ever spent so much time in the kitchen during one single day. Ok, I don't spend that much time in the kitchen period! But Steven was at work all morning so it kept me busy, and in the end it was worth it. Our good friends joined us for dinner and brought some delicious steaks with them. 

After that we went up the hill and watched some amazing fireworks that blew our ears out. I've never been so close to a show. I actually had to kink my neck to see them, like I was in the front row at the movies. I even had to squint at times because it was so bright. Pretty cool. Wish I had my 3-D glasses with me. Ever tried that? It's crazy. My Uncle Bob introduced that to us a few years ago while we were vacationing in Texas. More about him later.

Until then I'll be enjoying this wonderful month of summer! 

Oh yes I did...

You will all probably think I'm incredibly vain after this post. Not just because I posted it, but because I actually took all these pictures of myself in the first place. But what can I say, it was kind of fun! I was out in our yard with our dog Leila and my laptop, didn't have much to do so I busted out photobooth. Which, for those of you who don't know is part of the mac system. So all of these came from the tiny camera on my computer. Obviously low res. Totally random. Definitely makes me a dork. Enjoy.

 

Summa time

I don't love they way Blogger completely nastifies all photographs, but I will post this anyway. This is one of my favorite shots of Steven wake-boarding last summer just outside Reno at Boca. We only go every so often seeing as how we don't own a boat! But whenever someone charitable invites us we jump at the chance. (Thank you Foote's !) I enjoy watching Steven wake-board. He doesn't do any crazy tricks, but I love the way he cuts in and out of the wake. It's a bit more like surfing.

P.S. Dear Surfing...I still dream about you. Let's get together sometime.

The Millennium

Steven and I get to teach Sunday School at church once a month. Even though I'm not the best at delivering them I love preparing the lessons. I always learn so much during prep. Today we got to talk about the Millennium. What a fun topic! There is so much to cover; how to prepare for it, signs of it, what it will actually be like...This is what I focused on. I put together a little fact sheet that I think I'll post here. So here it is.

Facts about the Millennium

Gathered from Gospel Principles, Unit 9, D&C 101, and LDS.org

- The Millennium refers to the 1,000 years following Christ’s Second Coming. (This is patterned after the Lord’s period of rest following the six creative periods.)

- The wicked will be destroyed.

- The earth will become anew.

- Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and all will see him.

- Mortals will live on the earth. Jesus and immortal beings (resurrected saints) will probably not live on the earth the whole time but will frequently visit the earth.

- The Millennium will be a time of righteousness and peace on the earth.

- Everyone will be good, but not everyone will have received the fullness of the gospel. (Everyone living at this time will inherit the terrestrial or celestial kingdom.)

- There will be lots of missionary work. Temples will continue to be built and key ordinances for the living and dead will still happen.

- Agency will still exist. For a time many will continue to believe their false religions and ideas, but eventually everyone will accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.

- With the help of revelation ancestral records will be traced all the way back to Adam and Eve.

- People will be granted what they righteously desire.

- The whole earth will be a delightful garden as it was when Adam and Eve lived.

- The continents will not be divided, but will all be gathered together as it was at first.

- Satan is bound and has no power or influence. Children will grow up without sin.

- There will be no war. People will live in peace and harmony.

- All animals will be at peace. All will eat grass and grain.

- The Lord will be our King. Christ will lead the church and also the political government. Government will be based on righteousness and will preserve the freedoms of all people. Mortals (members and non-members) will hold other government positions, and will receive help from resurrected beings.

- No sorrow, disease, or death. People will grow “as old as trees” when the time comes to “die” they will instantly become immortal instead.

- New truths will be revealed. Including how the earth was created and what will become of it.

- At the end of the Millenium Satan will be “loosed for a little season.” Some will turn away from Heavenly Father. The armies of Satan will fight against the hosts of heaven (led by Michael/Adam.) Satan will be defeated and cast out forever. The final judgment will come. Kingdoms will be assigned to people.

 

Sometimes, Like Today

Summer is here. I am unsettled about this year’s arrival.  A three-month calendar without a single set of X’s or arrows sits in my office. No volleyball here to there, no reunion this to that, no trip to CA, no beach, no camping, not even work work work. No blotches of ink anywhere. I have all the time in the world to do anything I want and yet, no desire to do it.  I could use money as my scapegoat (or rather lack thereof) but the truth is, I feel lost. And no worldly thing can fill this void.

My life is full of constant flipping and flopping; a giant handful of variables that seem to get jumbled like a giant Rubik’s Cube. One variable changes and everything gets jumbled up, seems impossible to ever piece back together. I never could figure those things out.

Instead of a silly toy that I can stuff in a drawer when I’ve grown tired of trying, I’m handling the fragile fragments of my life. And while I may not know how to sort it all out, it’s not going to piece itself back together. Days, holidays, and seasons could pass but that colorful jumbled mess will look the same as it did when I left it. After every rested break comes an enthusiastic and determined attempt. This will be the time. I can figure this out! A few good strokes and suddenly a glimpse of resolve, progress in the right direction…that dissipates a few strokes more. To keep spinning round in circles seems pointless. Even to go back is impossible.

Before long three options seem to present themselves. Stop once more and try again later, hand it over to someone who knows how to do it, or learn to love the disruptive pattern. On days like today, I feel like handing it over.

Utopia

I feel like my last two posts fell into stereotypical blogginess. I apologize for this and am going to try to be more original with this post and just speak to the world (all nine of you) about more random and everyday occurrences.  

First off, we are starting a compound. Over the years (usually after Steven has shared his dreams of owning land and a milk cow) many friends have requested to live near us, and even on the farm with us. Some of you have already reserved your first order of grass fed beef, and who knows when you'll actually get it. We have had many joint business offers along the way. Think Water Buffalo cheese and Purple Cows...ever had one? They will be for sale in the farm store and diner.

Many of you reading this know that being a "farmer" is far from the top of my list. I have never been big on stinky animals who require constant care. (Except for our sweet dog Leila who is sick and VERY stinky at the moment.) I am still pushing for plants rather than animals. A beautiful orchard perhaps. It's the business venture that excites me more than anything else. But here are the benefits/requirements I foresee. About 40 acres of photographic bliss. Having my own studio outbuilding to work in whenever and however I please (not only promised, but proposed by Steven.) Steven and I both envision building a farm store that can also transform into a stage for wedding celebrations, community gathering, and artistic events. And greatest of all, family. I plan on having one no matter where and how we live. But for Steven, the thought of raising his children on such an interactive scene with chores, work and bonding to be had, is the most exciting of all.

Long before this plan was ever considered a few criteria were discussed. When we were dating (seriously) Steven promised that we would either reside in a beach community of my choice at some point in our marriage, or he would take me on a vacation to Hawaii. And guess what, while on our honeymoon in Monterey we passed a beautiful ranch right there on the coast with cows grazing in the pasture. So it is possible to combine the two!! We just have to make a couple mil first. 

So for those of you who would like to join us, let it be known! And don't worry, my final criteria is that it's close to a thriving city (Nordstrom and all.) So it won't be in the middle of nowhere!          

Easter Egg Hunt

This is part II of our trip to Oregon. Aunt Anne (in red sweater) organized an Easter Egg Hunt for all the kiddies at the family ranch. No better place for such an event! This is the same ranch that Steven and I lived on for 3 months as newly-weds.

Pear Blossom

Eets a rrrace...I ope I win. Rat Race, Anyone? Well we certainly did not win any races but we did run them! We went to Oregon last weekend to participate in the "Pear Blossom" with Steven's family. I opted for the 5k rather than trying to run the 10-miler. A choice I am still glad I made!! There is no proof of me running, except maybe on Jill's camera?? But after finishing my race early in the morn I stuck around to cheer everyone on and document the finish. 

I ran the 5k with my sister-in-law Jill and my 12-year-old nephew Seamus. Steven ran the 10-miler with his brother Brian, two of his sisters, two brothers-in-law, and cousin-in-law. And cousin Christina walked the 10-mile. Even this kids ran a mile!

And they're off...yes, that's Steven flailing his arm.

And here they come...oh wait this is the guy who kicked everyone's trash and ran 5 minute miles.

There they are.

I was thoroughly impressed with Steven's time. Training here in the cold and snow was really hard to do. He managed to keep up with his brother and ran the race in 80 minutes. 

(10 8-minute miles. Good job boys.)

Mi Hermano

It's already been about 2 weeks since my brother reported to the MTC in Provo. It is pretty surreal to see your little brother get to this stage in life. I realize that the decision to serve a two year mission is a choice and I couldn't be more proud and grateful for his decision to do so. 

Watching Sean speak at church at his "farewell" gave me the warmest feeling about what a great missionary he is going to be. His understanding of the scriptures is wonderful. Sean has always been an unselfish individual. He has always been the (only) one in the family who asks to please not give any gifts on birthdays and holidays. He sees no point in worldly things, while his two consumer loving sisters try to convince him of the value of a great sale and the unsurpassable feeling of new clothes hugging your skin. A quality that will surely add to his success as a mouthpiece for the Lord.

I was able to be there with the fam as we dropped him off at the MTC. He will be studying spanish as he prepares for the Missouri, Independence mission. His courage and strength have enlightened me an encouraged me to be better and strive for more in my own life. And for that I am so grateful! Thanks for being so wonderful Sean! We love you.

Three Years Ago

This week we celebrated our 3rd anniversary. Three years! We went out and had a nice dinner at Senang. One gourmet burger and four delicious scallops later we went home and enjoyed some chocolate fondue with pound cake, bananas, and strawberries. Which reminded me of the chocolate fountain we had at our reception. 

  

Professor in the Making

I woke up one morning and found this...

Writing away in his comfy little cove.  

Sunday's

Over the course of these last few years I have become incredibly lax in keeping Sunday's truly sabbath. As a single college student I was good at keeping the TV off until about 7. My roommies and I would plug in "family" movies in the eve. On Fast Sunday's I would push through the lightheadedness, headaches, and pukey feelings well past the time church got out. I attended any kind of fireside available. If their was a way to be spiritually strengethened, I did it. I loved the challenge and the strength that pushing beyond my natural self brought me. In retrospect I can see the spiritual blessings that resulted from my efforts.

Lately I have noticed how easy I have made things for myself. When I get home from church I frequently veg in front of the TV or pass time on the internet like I would any other day. I rarely leave enough quiet time to reflect upon gospel principles and further my spiritual growth. On Fast Sunday's I typically eat as soon as I get home. OR on days such this I completely forget it's Fast Sunday until my husband catches me with a bitten piece of toast in hand and reminds me "what today is."  At this point the rasberry-peach jam has already kissed my lips. After only one bite I could probably start over. I stare at my perfect toast and contemplate my next move. The internal struggle begins...and ends as I rapidly scarf the remaining toast down. 

I can' t remember the last time I overcame temptations such as these. Small? Yes. But these little things make a world of difference. So much so, that I have noticed a void in my life from this sheer lack of effort. And so my goal is to do better, try harder, and make an effort in these areas that I have become so lax. 

The Job

So last month I started my new job. My Dad spread the good news to all of my family who had been fasting and praying for me (us.) Everyone wanted to know about the job so after a few days of work I described the position as best I could in an email that stated the following:

"Well I never thought I'd be back in high school, but sure enough I am. I'm pretty excited about the job, part of that has to do with timing. I have so much peace of mind knowing that I now have a job! According to one of the people that interviewed me there was a large stack of applicants so I am feeling really grateful.  

Basically I am a teachers assistant at the high school. I'm working within the special ed department. They break kids into classes according to their needs. I am working mostly with students who have learning disabilities, some behavioral issues...there is really quite a mix. They offer alternative classes for the courses they are struggling with. Right now that is Math, and English. The classes range from 5-15 students. As an aid I help the kids with their assignments during class and help with the grading. I've only had a few days of work but am liking it so far. The people I work with are great. I'm sure there will be some challenging days but as a whole it's one of those rewarding kinds of jobs where you feel like you are making a difference, and at the very least working on the virtue of patience."

So glad I wrote that. Lets key in on that last sentence while I highlight the last couple of  days at work. (Just wrapped up week 3.)

Yesterday:

Girl A is ranting about how she doesn't want to take her final, I enter classroom.

Girl A says to teacher "Now I'm really not going to take it...because she's here"

I ignore comment and proceed to teacher.

Girl A: "I don't like her."

Teacher to Girl A: "That's not nice."

Girl A : "Seriously, I hate her."

Yikes.  Why? What?

Today:

Teacher asks if I can watch her class while she goes to the bathroom.

I enter in (same classroom as before.)

Familiar Boy B looks up: "You're in here?"

"Yep" I say with a smile on my face.

Boy B: "Well get the hell out!"

Students gasp.

Boy B: "I was just kidding.."

Phew. But seriously?

Making a difference one day at a time...

Seven Things No One Tells You About Marriage

I wish I could say I wrote this myself. But no, the link to this article just so happened to be resting near my email inbox page. Divine intervention perhaps. Typically these links (which I occasionally click on) are the kind that lead me to a weekly collection of celebrity and fashion photography. I didn't expect to find such a satisfying analysis of marriage. Here it is, Seven Things No One Tells You About Marriage.

By the way Happy New Year everyone!