Reflecting on 2015

Apparently one year ago today I posted about 2014, so I thought it was only fitting that I do the same today. 2015 has been an adventure-filled year, that's for sure. It's been filled with some heartbreak: losing three grandparents and your childhood pet all in one year is not exactly ideal or enjoyable. But it happened, and the best part is that it can never happen again!

2015 was also the year of travel. I went back to California twice by myself, and Jake and I took our fun trip to Texas to stay with his family.

Going home for a funeral wasn't a pleasant reason, but it was still nice to see people like my cute baby brother again!

My next trip home was MUCH happier, since it was because Carly got home from her mission! Being her first hug after coming home was the best thing ever.

Our trip to Texas was definitely an adventure! It was SO HOT and I managed not to get sunburned, which is something I will probably be proud of for the rest of my life.

Aside from traveling, a lot of other things were accomplished in 2015. Jake and I celebrated our one year anniversary, I honed my crafting skills, and Jake and I moved into our current apartment which we absolutely adore.

One year down, eternity to go!

One of my embroidery projects

Not only have we done a lot of traveling this year, but we've had several visits from family and friends traveling to see us here in Idaho. My mom came up to visit us in July, and my whole family spent Thanksgiving with us. Carly came and stayed for Christmas!

My favorite adventure of 2015 would (of course) be finally adopting our furbaby, Zoe. We've made so many fun memories, laughed a LOT, and taken hundreds of pictures with this goofy little girl. We never thought she would have such a big impact on our lives, but she has definitely become an irreplaceable part of our world!

Our first family photo, right after picking Zoe up from a home in Utah and finally starting our road trip back home after visiting Texas!

I'm glad that 2015 is ending, because of how rough the year has been overall for my family and I. I'm sure 2016 will hold many challenges and heartbreaks, but it will also be filled with more fun memories and lots and lots of laughter. I can't wait to see what I have to write for my "Reflecting on 2016" post on this day next year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

This past week was SO AWESOME! My best friend (and basically sister) Carly came to stay with Jake and I, and we had so much fun. We hadn't seen each other since September when Jake and I came back from Texas so it was great to see her again. 

Christmas Eve Jake had to work during the day, so Carly and I had the apartment to ourselves (with Zoe, of course). We made some Christmas crafts, watched Bones on Netflix, and talked each others' ears off! We also baked lots of Christmas goodies. That night when Jake got home from work, we continued our Christmas tradition of making sugar cookies and listening to Christmas music. They turned out delicious of course!  

After making cookies, Carly and I got into our matching Christmas pajamas and we all opened one Christmas gift. I gave Jake and Zoe a poop bag dispenser I found on Etsy, which cracked Jake up but he also LOVED. I gave Carly a necklace that had a football charm on one side and a football helmet charm on the other, that I found on Etsy. She was pretty excited about it. Jake gave me a necklace and a pill splitter for my medication. Pretty exciting stuff, I know...but I desperately need one! We opened the Christmas Eve present my parents had sent us, a board game called Tip It that my mom apparently loved playing as a kid. It was pretty entertaining to play, although somewhat stressful!

Christmas morning we were up around 7 to open presents!! Our living room was a mess of wrapping paper, boxes, and ribbon. We managed to get everything condensed and out of the way pretty quickly, though. After we opened presents we watched some of the movies that Jake had given me: both Avengers movies, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks, a Disney movie from the 70s that isn't very well-known but always makes me smile. We took pictures outside in the snow before it got dark, and it was FREEZING but so much fun!

 The day after Christmas Carly had to leave to get back to Utah, so it was a pretty short trip but still appreciated! We had so much fun together and I can't wait for our next adventure.

The Final Countdown + Priesthood Blessings

This week was finals week for Jake and I, and we made it through! Jake did very well in his class, and I'm hoping to at least pass all of mine since this semester was extremely difficult. The hardest one I've had in college, I think. We managed to get through the mountains of homework both of us had, and I didn't explode from stress, so it was a solid finish for the semester!

On Thursday night, I was really having trouble falling asleep. I had an exit interview with one of my professors the next morning that I was very nervous about, and it was affecting my ability to just relax and allow myself to get some rest. I tried all my usual tricks that help me fall asleep, and nothing was working. Finally, feeling pretty guilty, I rolled over and woke Jake up to ask him for a priesthood blessing. A priesthood blessing is using the power and authority that worthy young men receive in our church, which allows them to do things like bless and pass the sacrament on Sundays or give blessings to anyone that is sick spiritually. physically. etc. A blessing is a prayer given to one specific person. According to our church website, which I went to for help clarifying what I mean, it is: "given...by the laying on of hands and by inspiration, to one who is sick or otherwise in need of special counsel, comfort, or healing." For more info, you can watch this two minute video here. Jake got out of bed groggily and shook himself a bit to wake up, and then came over to my side of the bed, placed his hands on my head, and gave me a blessing. I don't remember everything that he said, but I could feel the Spirit so strongly, and tears were streaming down my cheeks after a matter of seconds. I know that he blessed me with the ability to feel comforted and let go of the tension I was feeling so that I would be able to sleep, and that I certainly did. The second my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light! My meeting the next morning went well, and it was my last thing to do for the semester, so as I walked out of the building I could feel even more weight being lifted off of my shoulders.

I'm so grateful that at a very young age I knew I wanted to marry a worthy priesthood holder, and that I stuck to that decision as I got older. Having someone who supports me through thick and thin and can give me extra spiritual strength and blessings when I need them is something that I hope I will never take for granted!

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini

**Unless otherwise stated, I take NO credit for the creation of these recipes! I can cook, but I'm not usually inclined to experiment on my own!**

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini

I found this recipe on lilluna.com

3-4 medium zucchinis

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

olive oil

salt + pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Cut the zucchinis in quarters, length-wise. Set aside. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place zucchinis on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on the grated cheese, and top with some salt and pepper. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Broil for the last 2 minutes until the cheese is more browned. 

THE VERDICT: These were really good! Jake and I have never been big zucchini fans, but we both really liked these. Made a great side dish with our dinner!

#RexMob15 and Our Christmas Party

This week was filled with a lot of stressful, fun, and spiritual stuff for Jake and I. It was the last week of regular classes before finals this upcoming week, so there were a lot of assignments to be turned in, lectures to attend, and papers to write. But we also had some really awesome experiences! One of the highlights of the week was getting a package from one of my best friends back home, Katie, filled with ridiculous outfits for Zoe. The pictures say it all.

On Friday, we had the opportunity to participate in a flash mob choir for a family in Rexburg. They lost their mother over the summer to cancer, and the family was obviously devastated. The woman left behind two twin 11 year old girls, and a 9 year old boy, along with a husband and lots of extended family. A guy at BYU-Idaho (who is also friends with the family and knew the situation) created a Facebook event to get the word out, and gathered quite a group! The event was filmed, so soon there will be a video out that I can post, but I'll explain how things went:

A group of five people went and knocked on the family's door, and started singing "Hark the Harold Angels Sing" like they were just carolers going door to door. The fifth person wasn't singing, though, just waiting. They changed songs and he came in beat-boxing, followed up by some dancers dressed like penguins, and they did that for a few minutes. Then a few more people joined and did a little singing solo. They all started singing "Little Drummer Boy", and two guys from drumline came in and did a pretty awesome drum solo. It was dark outside while this was all happening, so the porch lights only shone on the people closest to the house, which was awesome because a GIANT group of about 50-60 of us were standing away from the house along the sidewalk, quietly trying to hide. When the drums started playing, we all turned on the flashlights on our phones, and walked towards the house. By now, we could see that the father was in tears, and the kids were SO shocked! Grandpa and grandma and a few other extended family members were also standing in the doorway, and they were all smiling big enough to split their faces open. Once the drum solo stopped, we all started singing "Hark, the Harold Angels Sing" and in the closing lines, we parted down the middle and there was a group of people set up as a live nativity. The three wise men were holding presents for the kids, which had been bought with donations made by the singers and other people in the area. There was enough money to get the kids each an iPad mini, and a Kindle! It was so much fun watching the kids open their presents and start screaming with excitement, and the father could hardly contain his emotions. It was truly a beautiful way to get a start on the Christmas season.

Saturday morning, this post had been left on the Facebook event:

Thank you so so so so much! All of you!

I tried to take pictures and video for me and my family, so we can always remember that beautiful moment. But i wasn't expecting to see and hear everything that happened tonight. After the third wave of people joined in from out of nowhere, in the darkness, I couldn't hold my camera up any further because I was crying so hard. And then the drums came out of the darkness in the third wave, and started playing, and then in. The fourth wave, when lights from all over, suddenly turned on and started moving towards us. And it was in THAT moment, that moment when the darkness started to fade away, as all these bright flood lights came closer and closer and lit-up my sister's home, and highlighted the family she had to leave behind in her passing.... THAT was when I could feel my little sister Nanna-Banana (Anna), in spirit... enjoying that very moment with us. I could picture her dancing to the drums and the amazing beat boxing. And I could almost feel her weeping with delight, to hear all of those beautiful, harmonious and angelic voices fill the air. 

You made it feel as if my sister was standing right next to all of us tonight, and enjoying them moment that you blessed her whole family with tonight. Thank you! 

I don't know who all of you are... And I couldn't see any faces in the darkness, or behind the lights once they all lit up. But the air was filled with emotions of love, empathy and comfort for my family in losing my sister (far too soon), and the kindness, sacrifice, and service from complete strangers, as you all presented them with this amazing experience, as well as raising money and making a card and getting her three younger children their biggest Christmas present that that had put at the top of their "wish lists" for Christmas this year. Thank you! ALL OF YOU! 

That was honestly the greatest gift of wonder and love, that I have ever had the privilege of experiencing.

Thank you Chris White for being the mastermind behind he amazement, the leader at the helm of this giant ship, and orchestrating, motivating and bringing so many strangers together, to show other strangers that they aren't alone in this life... And that people truly DO CARE! You made a call to action, and everyone listened and joined you in sacrificing all of your time and talent tonight, and making your idea come to life. I am still amazed. I can't wait to watch all of the video that was taken. I want to re-live that moment over and over and over again! 

May God bless and keep ALL of you, for what you did for my whole family tonight. There are not enough words to describe that moment or enough words to express my gratitude for all of you, and for giving that beautiful gift to us tonight. Wow... Just wow!!! Thank you!!!!! 

Here is the sneak preview video of the event:

On Saturday, we had a Christmas party at our apartment! It was fun to see friends that we hadn't been able to talk with all semester because of busy schedules, and to talk and laugh and enjoy Christmas music and ugly sweaters. We had a White Elephant Gift Exchange, and of course lots of cookies and other Christmas-y treats. It was a great night!

It's December!

It's December, which means Christmas is just around the corner! However, the closer it gets to Christmas, the more stressed out I get since that means the semester is ending super soon...I have homework and projects coming out of my ears, so hopefully I won't go crazy before I get the chance to really enjoy Christmas.

This week has been rough for Zoe, since she started her "doggie period." Jake and I were planning on getting her fixed before Thanksgiving, but discovered that in the state of Idaho, neutering/spaying your dog isn't free. Not anywhere close. We'd have to pay over $100 to get her spayed, which we weren't about to do on such short notice. It's been somewhat sad watching her handle her "issue", but also kind of comical, because of how she's been reacting emotionally. Zoe is a pretty clingy dog already, but this past week she has been INSANELY clingy! We can't even go to the bathroom without her getting upset that we left her behind on the couch. So when I leave for school in the morning and Jake leaves for work, I honestly think we break her little heart! She's been extra cuddly and clearly feeling down, so Jake and I try to give her as much extra love as we possibly can. This "rough patch" should be over soon, though, and she'll be back to herself in no time!

Today at church while I was reading my scriptures in sacrament meeting, I came across Proverbs 9:8-10. They're really great verses, and made me want to be a wise person instead of a foolish one, because as the verses talk about, a wise person can accept criticism and grow from their mistakes. Foolish people just get angry when they get critiqued.

Fifty Christmas-Time Activities

Like this Christmas banner? Click the picture to get to my Etsy shop listing!

Some of these fun Christmas activities are more adult-friendly, and some are more kid-friendly. Take the ideas you like and use them!

1. Twelve Days of Service instead of Twelve Days of Christmas! Pick a friend/a family you're close with, maybe they're going through a rough time or you just want to share the Christmas spirit. Make them something to eat or a cute craft, or even just write them a heartfelt letter. Ding-dong-ditch it at their home and watch the magic unfold!

2. Christmas movie night! I'm actually not a big fan of Christmas movies, but I do have a few favorites like How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the original cartoon one), A Christmas Story, and Jingle All the Way

3. Decorate sugar cookies!

4. Family Holiday Pictures

5. Drive around and look at all the Christmas lights!

6. Decorate the Christmas tree together

7. Send Christmas cards to soldiers, missionaries, or other family friends

8. Decorate a gingerbread house

9. I really love this idea from Defrump Me: "If you make New Year's resolutions, write them on a slip of paper and put them in your stocking. Next year you can see how you did!"

10. Pick out a new Christmas ornament that represents something important that happened during the year. Pick one for the whole family (this year Jake and I will get a wiener dog one, since we adopted Zoe!) or one for each member of the family to represent something they personally accomplished.

11. Go caroling!

Our first Christmas tree from 2014!

12. See a local Christmas play or music event

13. Have a Christmas party with friends, complete with ugly sweaters and LOTS of photos!

14. Another idea from Defrump Me is to bake a birthday cake for Jesus. How cute and funny is that?!

15. Do advent calendars! Whether they're store-bought with chocolate, or scripture verses like this blog suggests, make every evening something Christmas-y for everyone to look forward to

16. Make some Christmas crafts like some of the things you can find on my Christmas Pinterest board

17. For kids: get a new Christmas book, whether you buy it or borrow it from your local library, and read it together!

18. The ever classic new set of pajamas on Christmas Eve

19. Have dinner with candles as the only lighting. Focus especially on lighting the area around your nativity set!

20. Instead of writing a letter to Santa, write a letter to Jesus! Tell him about the best parts of your year and what you're especially grateful for, and ask him for one intangible gift (good health, world peace, etc.). Hang a stocking for Jesus, and put the letters inside. Keep them and look back on them every year!

21. Make a Christmas craft together, as your entire family. Have everyone contribute somehow!

22. Set out cookies and milk (or your family's favorite treat) for Santa!

23. Christmas is the perfect time to remember our genealogy. Tell old family stories, look through photographs, and do some temple work!

The Sunday before Christmas, Jake and I made sure we were dressed festively! 

24. Play games together, whether they're "Christmas-y" or not! Maybe even take a game and give it a holiday-themed spin!

25. Take some funny photos with Christmas photo booth props!

26. If you haven't been good about doing it throughout the year, now is another great time to get your photos developed and scrapbook them! Project Life is an AWESOME and easy way to document your memories!

27. As a family activity, sit down and make a list for each member of your family of the things you're grateful they did for you this year. It would be great if you could list 25 things (one for every day leading up to Christmas) but start small and see how big your list can get! Slip that list into their stocking for them to find at some point around the holiday!

28. Learn about how families in different countries celebrate Christmas. Research on YouTube, Google, or anywhere else to find out! See if there are any foreign traditions that your family would want to adopt!

29. Even if you don't always love your neighbors, take this opportunity to do something nice for them! Make them a yummy treat or shovel their driveway for them, but make sure you do it anonymously!

30. Make a care package for a loved one far away! Maybe you have family or friends out of state, or you know someone that's in need during this Christmas season who doesn't have loved ones close by. Put together a box of some things you know they'd love, and make sure to include a Christmas card and photo!

31. Make some fancy hot chocolate and cuddle up under a blanket with some loved ones. Enjoy the simple things!

32. Make it snow inside! Whether you live somewhere that actually gets snow or not, you can always create some of your own through making your own paper snowflakes. Hang them up around your home for everyone to admire!

33. Hang up your Christmas lights and make a party out of it! Play some Christmas music, get some cookies, and have a good time! Make sure to save some for Dad, who's probably the one actually doing all the work up on that ladder!

34. Bundle up and get everyone outside, in as quiet a place as possible. Play the song "Silent Night" and enjoy the quiet, looking up at the stars and thinking about Christ.

35. Have a sleepover under the Christmas tree!

36. Do some fun Christmas-y science experiments! Pinterest has a TON of options

37. How cute is this Lego Christmas Activity?!

38. Take this opportunity to write your own Christmas story! Whether as a family or individually, make up your own story about celebrating Christmas!

39. Enjoy a fire in your fireplace, if you have one

40. Gather up old toys/clothes/etc. and donate them to a nearby charity

41. Do something especially awesome for Mom! Holidays can be stressful when you're the maternal leader of the home, so make sure she feels appreciated and stress-free for at least one night. Offer to help wrap Christmas presents, address cards, or contribute somehow to the holiday baking!

42. Two words: ice skating!

Our decorated festive Christmas cookies! Yum!

43. Animals love Christmas, too! Make a homemade treat for your pet, or for the birds and squirrels that live nearby.

44. Go on a sleigh ride! I've never done this myself, but doesn't it sound so festive and fun?!

45. Have a picnic under the Christmas tree!

46. Try a new Christmas-y recipe!

47. As a future teacher, I can personally advertize for the need for teachers to get some love around this holiday, too! Make sure your kids (or your own; even in college professors need presents!) create or buy something their teacher would love!

48. Learn your favorite Christmas song in a different language!

49. Keep a Christmas Journal. Every year write about how you celebrated the holiday, who you spent it with, and maybe some of your favorite moments from the day. Include any Christmas cards from your spouse or kids in the pages for future fun memories!

50. Remember the reason for the season: CHRISTmas. Take the time to be thankful for what Christ did for us, and think about how you can live better so that you don't take that sacrifice for granted!