Day of Love #7

This is a shout out to my mom and sisters. They really care about my well being and are able to listen to me and my silly problems regardless of what they are. I love them so much and am glad I have such great friends in the family.

(Thanks for the picture, Elise!)

Day of love #6

I absolutely love our new neighbors. Not only do they throw really fun parties, but everyone has been so kind and genuinely interested in getting to me. I truly feel comfortable enough to just go and ask for a spare eggs on a Sunday afternoon. Here are some pictures of a few of the neighborhood get togethers:

Picture taken from a photo scavenger hunt at a witches party (I was taking the pic)

Twilight with friends. Notice I am on Jacob's side of the poster. . .


Christmas party that just took place last weekend. In this picture my team is trying to blow a feather into a box. We got pretty close!

Day of Love #5

On Monday night I went to Harmon's to buy some groceries and conveniently a Christmas tree as well. A little smiley man from Haiti loaded the tree on my car and carefully secured it to my racks. He was quiet and nimble and very kind. I don't know why I appreciated the interaction so much, but I felt so grateful to this man, because I really wanted a Christmas tree but didn't have anyone to help me get one. He was just so willing and happy to help. I felt empowered and realized that even if I am alone in this world, there will always be kind people willing to offer help when I need it (I physically could not have lifted that tree onto my car). Thank you smiley man for your love and kindness. I have been enjoying my Christmas tree all week!

Day of Love #4

Guru's - I love your pesto lime Quesadilla. :)

Day of Love #3

I love my roomie Addie. She has been a great friend for a long time.

Plus, I wanted an excuse to post this HILARIOUS picture! We were in LA last year for a BYU trip and went to an Asian Pacific Museum (or something like that) where we got to play dress up. She is in back holding a drum and wearing and turban and I am riding a camel....funny times!

Month of Love Day #2

There are two things that I would like to profess love to this day:

The first is the policeman that pulled me over yesterday. I was driving along the freeway chatting with my sis on the phone when all the sudden there were flashing lights behind me. I quickly hung up and pulled over. I was pretty nervous because while I was talking on the phone I was exactly paying attention to my driving, so I could have been speeding or something. The policeman asked for my license and registration. Um....registration? I frantically was looking through my glove box when it occurred to me, that I never paid for my registration. I explained to the policeman of my ignorance (this being the first car I have completely owned) and he very kindly gave me a reminder to go and pay my taxes! He also let me know that my left tail light is out. I think because I was expecting the worse, as I drove off I was filled with love for this policeman. He wasn't out to get me! He was truly just trying to keep our country safe and organized. Plus, he was very polite!


My second love goes out to my dear BYU students. They don't know it, but I love them. This semester I have an exceptionally great group of students. They are involved, thoughtful, honest, grateful and truly want to do good things for our world. After teaching or meeting with them I feel uplifted and happy. I will really miss this class next semester!

Christmas is About Love: Day #1

This Christmas season my focus is going to be all about love. Christ is love and because of the love of our Heavenly Father we have this great season.

Today I woke up happy. Last night I bought myself a Christmas tree, pulled out all my Christmas decorations and ornaments and spent the evening getting ready for the season. Going to sleep with a lighted tree and waking up to one sure made me smile. As I got ready for work this morning I decided to wear a very beautiful scarf that was a gift from a stranger. Last Christmas, on our way home from Indiana I sat next to a lady. She and her husband live in Salt Lake and she was visiting her family in India for the Christmas season. We talked for the 2.5 hour flight and had an enjoyable conversation that has since slipped my mind. As we prepared to land, we started to say our goodbyes so I could head back to my seat and she asked me to wait because she had a gift for me. She pulled out this beautiful scarf that I am wearing today. It is gold, blue, orange and red with paisley and other ornate designs. It is thick and warm. I was shocked at this woman's generosity. She had only met me two hours before and really was doing me a favor by providing me with interesting and meaningful conversation.

This scarf is a reminder of the love of people and even strangers. Although there are many people out there that I do not know, I know that I have the capacity to love them and they me. I will cherish this scarf and the unexpected act of love and kindness that came with it and will work to smile and serve the strangers around me this season.

I have not spoken to this Indian woman sense, but she will be remembered.