Lights, Camera, and... PERFORM!

I have good news. I can cross off one other item from my bucket list! Chris, Beth, Cyrus, and I had the chance to go see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert yesterday evening. Chris and I wanted to do something special and fun with Cyrus before he gets deployed to Afghanistan. He's going pretty soon, but I can't remember when he is leaving or where he is being deployed to. Chris and I are really going to miss him. We thought this concert would be a fun way to spend time with him before he has to leave.

The concert was held at the AT&T Center (that is the place where most of the major events are held). There was a long line and a lot of security. I was a little surprised at how much security there was (I guess that means the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a bigger deal than I thought they were. They are celebrities!), but it was pretty cool to watch them do their jobs. We also had assigned seats. We sat in the balcony. It was cool because you had a really good view of the whole stage. It was awesome! Oh, and forgive me for the picture overload (I had to capture every moment while I was there. This felt like one of those "once in a lifetime" opportunities). Also, please forgive the picture quality. There was a lot going on at once while they were performing so my pictures didn't turn out very well. I'm not the best picture taker anyways, but I still think they turned out okay. :) Plus, the lights make it look pretty cool, don't ya think? ;)

The orchestra played a number of familiar Christmas songs. It really put me in the Christmas mood. The few songs that I have heard before were "Wizards in Wniter" and "Christmas Canon Rock". It was awesome. True, there were only those two songs that were familiar to me, but that makes it so much more exciting to watch! :)

Waiting for the show to start!

I thought these two pictures above were my favorite. The lights were shining throughout the entire room as they were playing. It was the ultimate rock concert! ;)

I really liked this picture too! The falling snowflakes reminded me of home in Shelley, Idaho. I miss the snow during the holiday season. Here in Texas, it just gets cold.

This guy introduced the members of the band to the audience! I thought that was pretty cool. :)

They came out on these mobile stages (I'm not sure if that's the real name for them, but that's what I'm going to call them). That was pretty wicked.

After the concert, we went to Olive Garden for dinner. I shared a plate of food with Chris. It was really good.

We came home roughly around midnight which meant that I didn't get to bed until about 3:00 in the morning, but the evening was still so worth it. It was so good to see both Beth and Cyrus. I'm glad they were able to come with us to such a fantastickilicious event. Although, the most meaningful part of it all was getting to hang out with Cyrus one last time before he leaves. I am so thankful to call Cyrus my friend (and Chris's friend) and I hope that our friendship lasts for a very long time! :)

Oh Remember, Remember

Since Christmas is right around the corner, this particular season always makes me stop and think about what is really important in my life like spending time with family, giving service to others, giving gifts to those in need, etc. I firmly believe that giving is so much better than receiving. It is also the most rewarding.

I remember one Christmas I spent with my family. We all drew names for Christmas like we do every year. I can't recall who everyone had, but I do remember that I had my sis, McKayla. A few days before Christmas Day, I recall telling Kay, "I am really excited for you to open your gift!" That feeling stuck with all of my sisters because we were all more ecstatic to see our sisters' faces light up when they open the gifts we gave them. My parents were shocked and very pleased with us that we were selfless and didn't even think about what we wanted for Christmas because we were too busy being happy for one another. I wished I could say that the feeling we had during that specific Christmas stuck with us during every Christmas after that, but it didn't.

Since I am on the topic of service, one major thing comes to mind and that is those serving in the military. I have become a lot more grateful for the military and all those men and women do for our country. I believe it's because I have a number of family members who have served in the military and that I have a wonderful husband who is serving in the Air Force right now. Every time this season comes around, it reminds me of when Chris was in Basic Training. He left a month after we got married, but he did come home for a week for Christmas. It was so nice to have him home for the holidays and I was sure grateful that we could spend our first Christmas together as a married couple.

Becoming a military wife has given me a whole new perspective on how much those men and women serving in the military sacrifice to go out there and serve. They sacrifice being away from their homes, their husbands and wives, their children, their friends, their extended family, etc. They sacrifice to be away from the ones they love for a period of time (and let me tell you, 6 months does NOT fly by. It went so slow for me. But, that's just me. I can't speak for everybody else who has gone through it). They make all these sacrifices for our freedom and I can't begin to describe the gratitude I have for those serving in the military.

Chris found this touching poem about the military and how important they are to each and every one of us. Take a moment and read this, please.

A Soldier’s Christmas

By: Michael Marks

December 7^th, 2000

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight;

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight;

The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep

In perfect contentment or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn’t loud, and it wasn’t too near,

But I opened my eye when it tickled my ear;

Perhaps just a cough, I didn’t quite know,

Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near;

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold;

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

“What are you doing?” I asked without fear,

“Come in this moment, it’s freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!”

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts

To the window that danced with a war fire’s light,

Then he sighed and he said “It’s really all right,

I’m out here by choice. I’m here every night.

It’s my duty to stand at the front of the line

That separates you from the darkest of times;

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I’m proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ‘Pearl’ on a day in December,”

Then he sighed, “That’s a Christmas ‘Gram’ always remembers;

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ‘Nam,

And now it’s my turn and so, here I am.

I’ve not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he’s sure got her smile;

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red white and blue … an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone

Away from my family, my house and my home;

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another

Or lay down my life with my sisters and brothers

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To insure for all time that this flag will not fall.

So go back inside, he said, harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I’ll be all right.

But isn’t there something I can do, at the least

Give you money,” I asked, “or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you’ve done,

For being away from your wife and your son.

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret.

Just tell us you love us, and never forget

To fight for our rights back at home while we’re gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

I hope that we remember what is really important this Christmas season. I hope that we become a little better as the new year creeps around the corner. I pray that we can have a little more gratitude for those who have served and are serving our country. I hope that we can all give a little more this Christmas. We can all share our love and joy with those around us.

Being the Fruit Loop in a World of Cheerios

I've learned lately that it's okay to be different from everybody else. We were all created to be our own "one-of-a-kind." We have different interests, hobbies, talents, families, backgrounds and that's okay.

I met a girl when I was in second grade and we became fast friends. We were best friends up until our sophomore year of high school. We only had one thing in common: we love listening to country music. She loves to dance and is really really smart. She is attending Brigham Young University-Idaho and wants to major in elementary education (or she was last I heard). She's married now and has a little girl. I love to play the piano and the flute, read novels, write, and sing. I am going to BYU-Idaho and I want to major in marriage and family studies.

I'm even very different from my family members. My three sisters love to play volleyball and basketball. I hate sports with a passion because I'm no good at them. The only thing all four of us have in common is that we play the piano (and we didn't even have a choice in that matter).

It's so strange how being different can be one of the greatest things in our lives. Heavenly Father created us differently. He created us to look different, to have different interests, and to believe different things. I am so glad that I'm not like everybody else. For a long time, I wanted to be like everybody else. When I got a little older, I realized that I love being different. I love having my own interests and ideas. I love myself the way I am.

On one hand, though, I think sometimes people are trying a little too hard to be different and to stand out from the crowd. In my opinion, that just turns people off. I think if we don't try too hard, then we can be different without being eager about it.

One of the General Authorities told us that we are a "peculiar people". When I was in Seminary, we had a lesson about this. My teacher, Brother Saunders, told the class that the word "peculiar" could also be interpreted as "worth Christ's life." I thought that was interesting.

In the world today, most people believe we are peculiar because we believe in Christ, we believe that He lives, we believe in revelation, we believe in eternal families, the list goes on and on. 

It's okay to be different from other people. It's okay to express yourself differently. Being different means that you are putting your mark on this world in your own way. It's okay to be yourself. If others don't like you for who you are, that is completely their loss. 

My Future - Deciding on a Major

I've been running my mind away! ;) Now that I've finished the Pathway Program and have started my one BYU-Idaho online class, I have been pondering about my future and what my future has in store for me. I have so many dreams and things I want to accomplish while I am alive on this earth, but I wonder if my Heavenly Father has a different plan for me than what I originally wanted in my life. It kind of scares me because I don't know what He expects of me. I don't know what He wants me to major in college. I don't know when Chris and I will start having children. I don't know what other trials and temptations will attempt to stop me on my path.

I'm not going to lie. My future frightens me to death. It doesn't have to scare me, though. I should be looking forward to the future. Our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, once stated, "Your future is as bright as your faith." I have a lot of faith in my Heavenly Father and His plan for me. I have faith in myself, knowing that I can do it without being scared of what the future holds. I know that if I am true to the gospel, if I attend the temple and do what I am supposed to, I will receive answers. The only problem is that I am so impatient! I want to know things right away (that's one of my many flaws that I need to work on).

Now that I am officially enrolled in BYU-Idaho, I have been thinking quite a bit about what I should major in in college. I wanted to be an occupational therapist assistant. Basically, I would be helping patients with physical therapy. I thought that would be interesting. I have also thought about being a medical assistant. I would like others to be well and healthy. The other day, I was talking with my mom about what I should major in. She said that if I really wanted to become an occupational therapist assistant, I would have to take a lot of difficult courses. I would have to take microbiology, metaphysics, and other hard classes that I don't really have an interest in taking. I don't really care for science plus, it's harder for me to learn all at once. After I heard all the classes that I was supposed to take to earn that specific degree, I tried to rethink my decision. My mom suggested to me that I should major in marriage and family studies. So I prayed and pondered long and hard about it. I also researched it a little and it sounds perfect for me. It focuses on the importance of home and family. The goal is to teach doctrine, principles, theory, and skills to help maintain and strengthen the home as the most effective institution in society for impacting the well-being of the family unit.

The one thing that I have ever truly wanted to be is a mom. I want to have children and raise them to be good kids. Marriage and family studies ties right into that category. I have been getting baby hungry because I see some of the friends and others that I went to high school with are married and have kids of their own now (I feel so left out!), but I know it will happen when it is supposed to happen. Maybe I need to learn how to be a better wife to Chris before I can be a good mother to our children. All I can say is that I know Heavenly Father knows what He's doing and I should just trust Him.

It's funny how our decisions on what we want to be can change in an instant. I guess I really don't have to decide now if this is what I want to be. There are so many options to choose from in this world. I just hope I make the right option for me and my family.

Heavenly Father wants all of our dreams to come true. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to pursue our dreams no matter what the obstacles. He knows what we want to accomplish and what we are capable of. I'm so grateful I have a Heavenly Father who's interested in my future and in my well-being. I'm thankful that He knows what I want to do with my life even if that means it's not what I'm supposed to do with my life.

The Weekend of Inspiration

General Conference was broadcasted yesterday and today. I didn't get to listen to most of yesterday's session because I took the puppies to the church building while Chris and Cyrus shampooed our carpet. We walked around the pavilion behind the church for a few hours. I was upset that I wasn't able to listen to Conference when I wanted to, though. If you really know me, you will know that I am (and always have been) a freak about General Conference. Maybe it's because I don't want to miss out on what our Church leaders have to teach us. Buddy and Bella played together for most of the afternoon (which is not a surprise at all).

When I was younger, I would usually go to Ashton, Idaho (that's where my mom's from) and watch Conference with Gran and the rest of the family. We would have a lot of food, play around with my cousins, and listen to what everyone thought of the talks. When I was a little girl, I remember writing in my journal during one weekend of General Conference and I was so confused why my mom and the aunts took notes. I could never understand it. As I got older, I started to take notes as well because I had to for my seminary classes. My teacher had the class and me pick one "power phrase" from the talks given by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. I really enjoyed doing that. I wanted to remember what our church leaders taught me, personally. And from then on, I became a quote nerd (who are we kidding? I am still a quote nerd!). I have two Composition books filled with quotes from Church leaders, television actors and actresses, and even some family members and close friends. If someone says something I think is profound and I want to remember it, I will write it down. Eventually, I would like to get my quote book published and give it to my children when they have children of their own. I hope it gets passed down to many, many generations. I hope they treasure the inspirations I've collected over the years.

It's hard to choose just one Conference talk that I could say was my favorite, but I'll give it a try. ;) I had two favorite talks that I loved from Saturday's sessions. One was given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks. He stated, "Loving kindness is required, but a follower of Christ, just like the Master, will be firm in the truth." I also really enjoyed the talk given by Elder Jorg Klebingat. He stated, "Keep your eyes on the Savior, care more about what He thinks of you, and let the consequences follow." It was also cool because some of the Church leaders gave their talks in their ow native language. I thought that was awesome.

Today's sessions were pretty awesome too. My favorite talks were given by President Henry B. Eyring and Elder Russell M. Nelson. President Eyring talked about revelation. We need revelation from God to receive answers. He stated, "The revelation of the parent has lasting effect in the personal revelation of the child." I thought that was wonderful. As parents, we should set a good example and be open to receiving the revelation Heavenly Father wants to give to us. Elder Nelson spoke about what sustaining the prophet really means. He stated that no prophet has ever been elected. He has always been chosen by Heavenly Father. He stated, "We sustain 15 men as prophets of God (the First Presidency and the Quorum of the 12 Apostles). They are committed to see that the Lord's will WILL be done!" I thought that was so profound. These men love each and every one of us and want us to help others come unto Christ.

I'm so grateful for the prophets and apostles of the Church. I'm grateful for their counsel and love for every member around the world. I can feel their love whenever I watch General Conference or talk about them in lessons on Sundays. I'm thankful for their inspiration and preparation to speak what they feel is in their hearts.

To Step Away or Not to Step Away from the Screen? That is the Question

It's sad that I'm even talking about this, but I think this problem should be addressed sooner or later. As Americans, we are so attached to the screen. Whether it's our phones, the television, video games, or the computer. Whatever happened to going outside just for the sake of being outside? Whatever happened to evening dinners with family? Whatever happened to pleasant conversations at the dinner table with those families? I think our generation is deteriorating away with technology. I mean, when was the last time others had Family Home Evening with each other without all the technology? When was the last time we had a meaningful discussion about anything without using our phones as the first resort?

I know I need to work on this too, obviously. Technology is as important to me as anyone else. I use the computer to do my schoolwork. I watch movies on the television. I use my phone for just about everything. I blog, for heaven's sake (that's the only way my pictures will work is if I use my phone to put them on the correct posts I want)! :)

Even though technology can be very useful (like using it for missionary work), I believe that there are a lot more important things than technology like spending quality time with our families, serving others, developing talents, reading tangible books (I personally like to feel the novel. That is why I say it like that), the list goes on and on.

Mr. George Feeny (a character from the 90's television show "Boy Meets World," which I am a little obsessed with, mind you) said it best: "Gutenberg's generation thirsted for a new book every six months! Your generation gets a new web page every six seconds, and how do you use this technology? To try and beat King Koopa and save the princess. Shame on you. You deserve what you get." I would much rather read a tangible book than be wasting my time away on my phone, the computer, etc. Though, it makes me wonder: are we using the technology we have been blessed with efficiently or do we use it as an excuse not to put effort into anything worth working for? 

We do deserve what we get if we don't use the technology wisely enough. I've always thought Mr. Feeny was wise. ;)

Last year, during a session of General Conference, Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated,“Be wise in how you embrace technology. Mark important scriptures on your device and refer back to them frequently. If you young people would review a verse of scripture as often as some of you send text messages, you could soon have hundreds of passages of scriptures memorized. Those passages would prove to be a powerful source of inspiration and guidance by the Holy Ghost in times of need.” Technology can be used for the better instead of the worse, yet it goes both ways. I love that we can use technology for missionary work. We can help others become closer to Christ using this wonderful technology Heavenly Father gave to us. We should be using it more efficiently to spread the gospel to all of God's children, ready and willing to listen to the message. We should use it to help us remember things that are going on in our lives (that's mostly why I use my phone, the laptop, etc.). We should use it to communicate better one with another.

I hope that whoever is reading this takes a step back and thinks of all the wonderful things they could be doing with all this technology that has been given to us and use it to their advantage. I hope they think twice on how technology is being used in the world today and become a positive influence others can follow.

Being a Military Wife

It is very bumpy road for all of us. For me, personally, it is difficult being a military wife. When Chris and I were dating, he didn't want to be in a serious relationship because he knew that he was going to join the Air Force really soon. He was going to break up with me. Just as soon as I started to really like Chris, he dropped the bomb on me telling me that he was going to join the Air Force. I took that as, "I can't be with you anymore because this is what I really want to do with my life." Unfortunately, you all know how well that worked out. ;) Still, it has been a bumpy ride.

The year 2012 was a year full of exhilaration, fright, and apprehension. We got married in July, Chris left in September for Basic Training, and I didn't see him until the end of March. One night before Chris left, I was bawling my eyes out because I knew he was leaving soon. We got in an argument and he went to sleep on the couch. I went to get him a few minutes later and I asked him, in tears, "What if you never come back?" Chris wrapped his arms around me and kept telling me, "I will always come back for you. You're my baby girl. You're my baby girl."

Basic Training was a challenging time for the both of us because we couldn't be together every day like most newlyweds usually are. When he left, it broke my heart that I couldn't be with him every single day. On the plus side, Chris had the opportunity to call one person once a week. He told me to always keep my phone on me (if you know me, sometimes, I don't answer my phone because I'm busy or I forget to make sure it's not on silent) because I knew that he would call me. Those phone calls were the highlight of my week. It was always nice to hear my sweetheart's voice on the other end of that line even if it was only for one day. We also have great families that helped us while we were away from each other. Since I was living with my parents again, sometimes I would forget that I needed to see Chris's family too. Luckily, I made it all work out. It's so convenient to have both of our families living in the same town. Chris's family lives right around the corner from my family (okay, maybe not right around the corner- I had to drive a ways- but close enough).

One of the happiest days of my life finally arrived.  I got to see my sweetheart again. In the middle of November, Denise, Chris's mom, and I had the opportunity to attend his graduation from Basic Training. We traveled from Shelley, Idaho to San Antonio, Texas for it. I remember seeing all the graduates in a long line. Chris told me that he wasn't supposed to move until I went and grabbed him. I gently touched his hand, and he turned around and, with tears in his sea blue eyes, gave me the biggest embrace he has ever given to me in his life. He whispered in my ear, "I did it, Baby Girl. I did it." and gave me a kiss on the cheek. It was so rewarding to see that he was as excited to see me as I was to see him.

At Chris's graduation from Basic Training- that was the first time I saw him in two months! What a happy day that was for both of us!

I will never forget the day Chris came home. It was the day of my birthday. At about midnight, I felt someone come onto my bed. At first, I thought it was my sister and I was just about to tell her, "Get back in your bed!" Finally. I decided to look over to see who it was, trying to open my eyes because I was still half asleep, turn over and I fall back asleep. Then, my brain finally kicked in, screaming at me, "It's Chris, you goober! Wake up, woman!" I turn over again and give him a hug. I remember telling him that I missed him and I was almost on the verge of tears. That was the best birthday present I have ever received. To sum it all up, it is hard being a military wife.

While he was in tech school, Chris sent this to me with the message, "I love you." This pretty much sums up on what being a military wife is really all about. 

I don't know what I'm going to do if Chris ever gets deployed (it is nice to know that he will be in the medical field since he's a surgical technologist. When he first told me he was going to join the Air Force, I was worried because he likes guns and hunting. I assumed he'd be out there fighting, but he will be in a hospital the entire time which make me feel so relieved!). I might blow a fuse, but I don't have to worry about that right now. I'm just so happy to be with My Christian again. I figured I'll cross that bridge when it gets here. I think it might be a little easier if we have children soon or if we still have Buddy and Bella around so it won't be so lonely.

It's so difficult to say goodbye to someone you love so much, but it is so rewarding to know that Chris is doing what he loves, what he really wants to be doing for me, for us, and for our life together.

At Chris's promotion ceremony last week. He's a Senior Airman now! I'm so proud of this studly hubby of mine!