papa sushi

Tonight, we celebrated my dad's birthday

 (which is tomorrow, Valentine's Day)

by enjoying a delicious homemade sushi dinner.

My dad went on his mission to Japan,

so our family is partial to anything even remotely Japanese,

sushi, no exception.

We l.o.v.e. sushi. Love it.

And since it's so expensive to take our big family out to a nice sushi dinner,

Brans and I decided to make it ourselves.

I was pretty pleased with how it turned out.

We made several [eight] different kinds of sushi rolls, 

incorporating lots of combinations of our 

delicious, super fresh ingredients.

Salmon

Ahi Tuna

Crab

Scallops

Cucumbers

Lemon

Scallions

Peppers

[And we added a few other "normal" food options to supplement,

 like gyoza, edamame, shrimp tempura and rice.]

And my dad loved it, which was what really mattered.

Sidenote: Gram also loved it. Which surprised everyone. 

What made me exceptionally happy is that several years ago,

my cousin Matt tried to get her to eat sushi, but all she would eat 

were California [Crab] rolls that were "cooked."

But tonight, Gram was adventurous, trying every kind that wasn't spicy.

And. She. Liked. It.

I felt like a winner. 

Better luck next time, Matty. [grin] 

Happy Birthday Daddy.

We love you.

Even more than we love sushi.

Oh, so much more...

May all your wishes come true.

twelve things

one.
Today, my sister Brindy turns twelve. 12! I can hardly believe it. I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. It really makes me feel old that she's now officially in Young Women. How did this happen? It seems like she's still 8 years old to me. But I have loved watching her grow, and am delighted at the young women she is becoming. She is so incredibly sweet and caring. And so very beautiful. I love her. Happy Birthday, Brin!

two.
As always, my life at work has been busy. In the past year, we've hired on more people, which should have lightened the load. But, it seems that the more people we get, more is expected of us. While I like the people I work with and the projects I work on, the stress level has started to wear on me. I need to be better at finding a balance.

three.
It's amazing how routine our lives are. This month, Brans and I have fallen back into our work, school, piano lessons, scouts, dinner, sleep, repeat way of life. While I love the predictability, I think a little piece of me is ready for some sort of adventure. Something to shake things up. Any good ideas?

four.
I miss my brothers. At school, on missions... I miss them. They are such good kids. And we have so much fun together.

five.
My hair is the same length it was in high school (record long). I've been contemplating what to do with it, but just can't bring myself to cut it. I think I'll regret it. But, the standby ponytail, braid and leaving it straight have become super boring. I need new cute dos that don't take much time.

six.
The other night, Brans made me watch "Warrior" - it's a movie about fighting, you know, for sport. I'm not a big fan of fighting or boxing, or other "sports" that involve two men in a ring hitting each other, so I was skeptical about this movie. But holy. cow. I loved it. It was surprising fantastic. I may or may not have cried towards the end. Moving story. I highly recommend it.

seven.
I have yet to join the Pinterest band wagon. Everyone keeps talking about it and I keep seeing people post about it all the time, but I just don't have the time. And I'm afraid I'll become obsessed and addicted.

eight.
It's been about four and a half months since my Carpal Tunnel Surgery. I feel pretty good about it still. I would say percentage-wise, I'm at 90%, though I feel like I've been at 90% since November. It has just taken a while for my strength to return. There's not really any more pain. And my scars are fading. And I haven't broken or dropped a single glass! But I still feel weak. But it's coming back. Slowly and surely.

nine.
A project I worked on at my job was recently nominated for a Grammy. Pretty cool, huh? It's actually really cool. And a really, really big deal. I was invited to attend the Grammy's, and while it would be awesome, we just can't afford it. But I feel super honored to even be invited. Add that to my resume: help produce and release a Grammy-nominated album. Check.

ten.
I have found myself missing that traditional Utah winter lately. We've hardly had any snow this season, much to my dismay. I love winter. I love the white blanket that covers the hibernating green. It just hasn't really come yet. The few - very few - times it has actually snowed at our house, the longest it has stuck around was a day or two, and then back to the dreary grey/brown. No thank you. I want snow. A big, heavy, beautiful white blanket of snow. But it needs to hurry, because I only tolerate snow until February 20.

eleven.
One of my favorite things lately has been recreating my journal. I used to be a write daily or at least once a week journal writer before Branson and I met. Upon our meeting, I still tried to document events, but my recordings became fewer and far between. (I blame him. He took up all of my time.) And since we've been married, I've been a total slacker. I have things written on sticky notes, and emailed to myself, but not everything in one place. So I've made it  a goal to compile all of those little notes into a real life journal. It has been fun reflecting on things that happened to me so many years ago.

twelve.
My goals for 2012 all center around being better. While I feel like I've already let a few slip, there are others that I feel I'm excelling at. Even though goals and resolutions seem to fade through out the year, I really do love the fresh start to each year, and the opportunity to really focus on how we can improve over the next twelve months. Here's hoping this year's goals stay in focus all year long.

christmas recap

Can you guess where we were for Christmas?

I'll give you a few clues:

We were lucky enough to spend Christmas

in Southern California

with Branson's family.

We spent 3 days at Disneyland.

Yes. Three. Days.

I can't really express how fun it was.

It was magical.

We also spend a day at Lego Land

and visited the Hotel Del on Coronado

and Balboa Park.

We had a blast and are so thankful

for the generosity and hospitality of

the Larsons.

[Thank you!]

We had a very merry Christmas, indeed.

new

I'm having a hard time believing it's 2012...

[It seems like it just barely rolled over to 2000, 

and it was such a big ordeal to start dating things 

20xx instead of 19xx. Weird.]

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of fun for us. 

[More on that soon, I promise.] 

And we're so grateful for 

all of the goodness in our lives. 

We are so very blessed.

2011 was good and hard.

We cut our income in half and 

Brans went back to school full time.

He also made the Deans list a few times, 

and this past semester pulled a 4.0. 

Yes, I am a very proud wife.

We celebrated three years of marriage.

And each year just gets better than the last.

We got chickens.

We have named each of them.

[Pepper, Sophie, Sulley, Buttercup, Dora, 

Hedwig, Archimedes,Ruby, Rocky II, Rosie, Tina,

Kelloggs and She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named]

Yes, we can both keep them straight.

And we're getting about 10 eggs every day.

[Do you need some? Please?]

We got caught up in Jimmer-Mania this year,

watching every BYU basketball game,

and loving every minute.

And, just a couple months ago,

we met Jimmer.

I helped at a photo shoot we did with him 

for a work project.

I may have tied his tie.

[Double Windsor, of course.]

And I may have sat ridiculously 

close to him on a couch. 

[Don't worry. Brans was there, too.]

It was awesome.

We spent a month [and by 'we' I mean "me']

depending on Brans and my mom to take care of me

while I recovered from Carpal Tunnel surgery.

Feeding. Dressing. Other -ings.

It was hard.

And I was, and still feel, humbled.

But now my hands are doing very well.

90%, I'd say. It's amazing.

We bought a new car.

The first "our" car of our marriage.

Brans was heavily involved in Scouts.

I worked a lot. A lot.

We've been reflecting and resolving and,

while we're grateful for the past year;

for the good times and bad, 

for the trials and blessings...

We're ready for a new year.

I'm sure 2012 has new adventures in store for us.

And, while I could list off all of the goals

I'd like to accomplish in the next 365 days,

I'd rather just tell you this:

I'm going to be better in 2012.

In as many ways as I possibly can.

May this upcoming year bring

more laughter, many memories,

and so much love.

Happy New Year.

christmas

It's Christmas at our house.

Our tree is up.

The decorations are hung.

Presents are wrapped.

And our home feels cozy...

(despite the thermostat being stuck at 60 degrees)

I love this time of year.

The festivities.

The food.

The family time.

But most of all,

I love celebrating the birth

of my Savior.

Joy to the World

the Lord is come

Let earth receive her King

Because that's what it's really all about.

Merry Christmas.

May you have a season filled with

joy

and laughter

and so much love.

But more than that,

may the true meaning and spirit of Christmas

be in the forefront of your holiday,

with an unyielding focus on the root of it all:

Christ.

my husband

I am so very thankful for Branson.

I'm quite a lucky girl.

I am thankful for Branson's laugh. It is hysterical. I love hearing it. I am grateful that I married someone funny. Laughter is so important to me, and I'm glad that my husband feels the same. He is always trying [and succeeding] to make me laugh.

I am grateful that he is a hard worker. Work ethic is a deal breaker for me, and I'm glad I've never had to question Branson's. He always pitched in. He cleans the bathroom. He does the dishes. He takes out the trash. He fixes our house. He built the chicken coop. He takes jobs seriously. He works hard, and I'm so thankful that we can work together - on little projects at home, remodeling our house, and, most importantly, in life. We work together in our marriage, in our family... in everything.

I am thankful that he studies so hard in school. The transition from two incomes to one [plus school expenses] has been a hard adjustment, but knowing that Brans is working hard in school, makes it worth it. He made the Dean's List. He's getting a 4.0 this semester. He aces his tests and essays. I love hearing him talk about what he learned, or about when he's the only one in his class that knows the answer to a question. I'm so proud of him and so pleased with the work he's doing and what he's learning.

I am thankful for the glimpses I get of how great of a dad he'll be someday. I love watching him interact with my siblings, with our niece and nephews, with neighborhood kids, with cousins. He's going to be a fantastic father someday. [No, this is not an announcement.]

I am thankful for our conversations. I love talking to him. I love hearing about his day. I love when he asks me about mine. Brans is super smart, and I am grateful for the intelligent conversations that we have. We talk about Politics. The Gospel. History. Sports. He just knows so much about so many different things. He's always saying, "did you know that..." and stating some obscure fact that I would never have even thought about before. I am so grateful that we can talk to each other, and that there's always something to say.

I am grateful for his strength. Branson is strong in so many ways. Physically. Spiritually. Mentally. Emotionally. He is just so strong. And I'm thankful for the inspiration that strength is to me. He brings me up. He makes me stronger.

I am thankful for his patience. I am thankful that he puts up with my quirks. My likes. My dislikes. My routines. He is pretty accommodating to me. He waits for me. He [sometimes] laughs at my not-funny jokes. He lets me do things the way I want to, even if they don't make sense. I am so grateful that he puts up with me.

I am grateful for the way he shows his affection for me. He's not overly-affectionate. Particularly in public. Which I am SO thankful for. But he lets me know he loves me each and every day. In little and big ways. I am thankful that he holds my hand. I am thankful that he loves to snuggle. That he kisses me every day. I am thankful for each time he tells me he loves me - both in word and in deed.

I am thankful that Brans is a worthy priesthood holder. I am thankful for the sweet blessings he's given me. For the little vial of oil he keeps on his key chain. For the memories and stories he shares from his mission. Watching him fulfill his callings. I am thankful that we pray together. I am thankful that we were married and sealed in the temple. I am so thankful that we share the same values and beliefs. I am so thankful for the priesthood he holds. I am so thankful that I get to see him exercise the power he holds. He's such a good, good man.

I am so thankful for Branson.

He truly completes me.

He makes me better.

I am so grateful for a wonderful, loving husband.

And for everything he does for me.

parents

I am grateful for goodly parents.

And mine are the goodly-est. There is no sweeter, kinder, angelic woman in the world than my mom. And there is no harder-working, dedicated, righteous man in the world than my daddy.

I am thankful for my mom. She really is the best. All I ever needed to know I learned from my mother. She taught me everything good. And like the stripling warriors in the Book of Mormon, I do not doubt, because my mother knows. She taught me right from wrong. To avoid even the appearance of evil. To love. To laugh. To learn. To smile. To sing. To work first, and then play. To do my best. To serve. To give. To teach. To help. To never give up. My mom is amazing. I am so grateful for everything she has done for me. I am thankful for the memories I share with her. And I am so grateful that I am her oldest child and first daughter. We share a bond that I am truly thankful for each and every day. I am thankful for my mom.

I am grateful for my dad. He is the greatest man I know. I learned a lot from him, too. That he can fix just about anything. The value of hard work, even when it doesn't seem worth it. How to braid my hair. A love for words. That it's ok to cry. Dedication. Loyalty. How to jump start a car. How to tie a tie. [I've taught more boys how to tie their own ties that you can imagine. And I may or may not have tied Jimmer's tie for him. More on that later.] How to plan a wedding. How to bear a simple, yet powerful testimony. To be reverent. The importance of young men serving missions. That your word should be your bond - and when you say you'll do something, nothing should stop you from getting it done. The responsibilities of a worthy priesthood holder. How a husband should treat his wife. To work harder than you think you can to take care of the people you love. So very many lessons. My dad is the greatest. He is exactly what a father should be. I am so grateful that he is mine. I am thankful for the example he sets and for the memories I have with him. I am thankful that he still lets me be his little girl. I'm so thankful for my dad.

I am grateful that my parents raised me. It seems like there are so many children now whose parents are less parent and more friend/chauffeur/bank. And while I am grateful that my parents were those other things to me to, I am thankful that they were so involved in my upbringing. I am thankful that they punished me when I was disobedient. I am grateful that they encouraged me to try my best and were disappointed when I didn't. I am thankful that they were so involved in my life. That my mom waited up for me every night, even when I came home way too late. That my dad cared so much about who I dated. That my parents loved me enough to discipline me and help me learn right from wrong. I hope that when I have children of my own, that I will be able to be even half as good to them as my parents were to me.

I am also grateful for my in-law parents. I am so blessed to have married into a incredible family. When Brans and I got engaged, his family welcomed me as their own and made me feel so loved, even though they hardly knew me. Over the past [almost] four years, my love and appreciation for Branson's parents has just increased exponentially. And while no one can ever equal my parents, Harold and Shannon are a close second.

Shannon is one of the strongest, most talented women I have ever met. She is so thoughtful and giving. It seems like each time I talk to her, she's involved in some sort of project to help someone else. She is such a great example to me. Last year when she was diagnosed with cancer, I was devastated. I think I cried for 3 weeks straight. But her attitude and drive to get through it was inspiring. She was always so positive about everything. She just knew everything would be ok. And it was. I am so grateful for her strength. For her faith. For her example. From the moment we met, Shannon and I got along wonderfully. She treated me like I was her daughter. I'm so grateful for the friendship we've developed and that she has become another mother to me. [My "San Diego Mom" as she likes to say.]

Harold is one of the most pleasant, even-tempered men I know. He reminds me a lot of my dad. He is a hard worker. He's very involved in the Church and in his callings. He's joyful. Thoughtful. Loyal. He likes to tease, but never mean-spirited. He has a funny sense of humor, and like my dad, when he laughs, his shoulders just shake and you see his laughter instead of hear it. I love it. Harold is sweet and kind. I'll never forget the first moment we shared after he officially became my father-in-law. Brans and I had just been married and sealed in the Temple, and Harold came over to us and gave me a big hug and whispered in my ear that he loved me. I remember that moment so fondly. It was so simple. So sweet. It will always be one of my favorite memories of him. I am so grateful for Harold. I'm so grateful for the righteous example he set for his sons. I know that Brans grew up just trying to be like his dad. I'm thankful that he had someone like Harold to model after.

I am so grateful for our parents. They really are the best.

I'm grateful for the lessons they taught.

For the wonderful lives they've provided us with.

For just being there.

And for the love they have for us.

I'm so grateful for each of them.

music

I am thankful for music.

My life has always revolved around music.

As a little girl, I would play outside and make up songs, singing while I twirled, or on a swing, or even just laying in the grass.

When I turned 5, I started piano lessons. I easily learned how to read music, and have been sight-reading ever since.

I played the violin for a year, and the flute after that.

In 7th grade, my accompanying career began, when I was recruited by the music teacher, Mr. Ulmer to accompany Mixed Chorus, an elite group of 9th graders. [Yes. This did make me feel super cool.] I can't even count how many times I've accompanied a choir or a soloist, or a quartet, or... the list goes on for ever. I am thankful for Matt Ulmer and the foresight he had to give a 13 year old girl a chance to grow and develop a talent. I learned so much during the three years I accompanied his choirs.

I was called as the Ward Organist when I was 13, taught myself to play, and have enjoyed the calling ever since. It's strange to think it's been over ten years since then...

My sophmore year in high school, the jr. high hired me to play the piano in the orchestra pit for the school musical, Les Miserables. They paid me $800 dollars. I remember Gramps thought this was the most amazing thing. It made my heart soar to hear him brag to the rest of the family that the school was paying me, his granddaughter, to play the piano. A few years later, the high school hired me to play for Beauty and the Beast. I am grateful for these opportunities and remember them fondly.

I started teaching piano lessons as a junior in high school.

I aced the AP Music Theroy test my senior year of high school.

I memorized Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin.

I played musical numbers for several General Authorities and local Dignitaries.

I wrote, arranged and recorded two-CDs worth of piano solos.

I received a music scholarship to BYU and spend my freshman year of college working on credits for a piano performance major.

Then my life took a little turn and I got Carpal Tunnel. Parts of me were devastated, but my love for music remained. I rationed my practicing and no longer played through the pain, but continued to deepen my knowledge and appreciation for music.

And now, I work in the music industry. Really, there isn't a more perfect job for me.

So many of my memories are associated with music. Choir Festivals and Tours. The songs I've accompanied. The friends I made. The lessons I learned. And I am so grateful for each of those memories.

But mostly, I'm thankful for the love of music instilled in my soul from my parents. My favorite memories with my family revolve around music.

Mom singing me to sleep as a child.

Riding in the back of the car, changing the words to "Open Arms" with Austin to be about a skier with Broken Arms.

Family musical numbers in church.

The low rumble of my dad's deep voice when he sings.

Singing "Armies of Helaman" at Taylor's missionary farewell.

Switching alto and tenor parts with Bryson.

Belting out Ben Folds songs with Brindy.

Playing Christmas duets with my brothers.

... so, so, so many more.

Music is sacred to me.

Music says things that words can't.

Music expresses emotions that would otherwise be locked away.

Music is the food of my soul.

I am so grateful for music and for the influence it has had on my life.

I am so full of thanks for a mother who never let me quit piano lessons. Who passed her love for music on to me. Who encouraged me. Who sang to me. Who loved the music I played.

I am thankful for the sweetness music provides, and for the spiritual journey it creates for me. Nothing invites the spirit like music. Nothing.

I am so thankful for music.

the gospel

I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am thankful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am grateful to be called a "Mormon." I am thankful that I have a deep rooted knowledge of the love God has for each of His children. I am thankful that, in a world that grows increasingly darker every day, that the Gospel provides a light and illuminates my way.

I am grateful for living prophets. I have been blessed to meet many prophets, seers, and revelators in my life, and each experience is still fresh in my mind, as sweet as the day it happened.

President Gordon B. Hinckley told me my smile would be a wonderful missionary tool. Elder Richard G. Scott shed tears during a piano arrangement I did of "I Am a Child of God" and said that hearts would be turned through the music I created. President Howard W. Hunter shook my hand a month after he was called as Prophet. President Thomas S. Monson gave me a Kit-Kat on Halloween. I've shaken hands with Elders Joseph B. Wirthlin, Russell M. Nelson, David B. Haight, L. Tom Perry, and President Henry B. Eyring. I know these men were called by God. I've heard their testimonies and have felt their spirits. I am so grateful for our prophets.

I am thankful for Joseph Smith. I am thankful that he, as a fourteen year old boy, asked questions. I am grateful that he didn't let fear of the unknown get the best of him. I am grateful that he knelt in a grove of trees and spoke to God. I am so thankful that he never gave up. I am grateful for his courage. I love Joseph and am so, so glad that he translated the Book of Mormon and  helped usher in the Restoration.

I am thankful for the scriptures. I am grateful for the Old and New Testaments. The Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. The Book of Mormon. I love feasting on scripture. It amazes me that each time I read, I learn something new. I am grateful that so many prophets kept a record. I am grateful that those records were compiled and made readily available. I love the scriptures.

I am grateful for the cleansing ordinance of the Sacrament. I am so thankful that each Sabbath day I can partake of the Sacrament and renew my baptismal covenants with the Lord and once again, be cleansed of my sins. I am thankful for the symbolism of the Sacrament and the lessons I learn from it weekly.

I am beyond thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows where I am and what I'm doing. I feel my Father's love for me in everything. God's love is evident all around us. In the beauty of the Earth. In the favorable circumstances we find ourselves in. In the trials and challenges that make us stronger. In the little "coincidences" that you know aren't just circumstance. I am eternally grateful for God and all that He has blessed me with.

I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am for my Savior, Jesus Christ. He has done so very much for me. For each of us. Words aren't adequate to say how thankful I am that He atoned for me. That He bled from each and every pore for MY sins.  That He was crucified so that I could return and live with God again someday. Jesus Christ is my Savior. He is more to me than a prophet. More than just a man who lived two thousand years ago. More than my friend. More than my brother. He is my Lord. My Savior. My Redeemer. I am thankful beyond thankful for Him.

I am grateful for my knowledge of the Gospel. I am thankful for the influence the teachings of the Gospel have had on my life.

The Gospel makes me a better person. It helps me be kinder, more compassionate. It gives me understanding and perspective. It helps me strive to be more Christlike. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is my key to happiness. And I am so thankful for the happiness it brings to me.

mountains

I am thankful for mountains and their majestic beauty.

Yesterday, Brans and I went up into the High Uintah Mountains and cut down our Christmas tree. [Our tree is perfect. Just enough branches. Perfectly shaped boughs. The fresh smell of pine... everything is magnificent.] While driving to find our tree, I was simply soaking it all in. The fresh air. The wildlife. The forests. The meadows. The creeks. The rocks.

The beauty God created in mountains never ceases to amaze me.

They are so grand. They are so massive. They are so detailed. They truly are gorgeous.

I have always lived near mountains. They taught me which direction is north. They gave me a landmark. They formed the lovely valley which I call my home. I could pick out the silhouette of the Wasatch and Oquirrh ranges anywhere. I am so grateful I get to see them everyday.

The view from our bedroom is a straight-shot of Mount Olympus. It is my mountain. Its the peak my high school was named after. I've hiked to its top. And I wake and fall asleep to its majestic beauty every day.

I am so thankful God created such a beautiful terrain for us to live on and enjoy.

But I am especially thankful for the mountains. They are my home. And I am grateful that I have been blessed to live in such wonderful place.