This is me

I'm melting! Melting!

2010-12-15T22:05:00.000-08:00

Okay folks (to be honest, I hate the word folk. Say it. It feels like a piece chicken lodged in the back of your throat)Its time for the 2nd installment of,

Friends. My dear friends (said in the voice of John McCaine while waving his arms like a moron.). I have been dreaming of day like today for years. You hear me, YEARS! I did a photo shoot today on December 15th, in 75 degree weather. Did you hear me? 75 degree weather. Oh the happiness that filled my soul as I took my sweater off because I was getting sweaty. How joyful I was when I needed to turn the AC on in my car. This is a day that will be talked about for years to come. 

75 degree weather in December! Doesn't get better than this.

God bless Texas.

I took this picture while I was out on my shoot today... yes its true, we still have green grass and leaves on trees. 

If ornaments could talk...

2010-12-12T17:24:00.000-08:00

If this ornament could talk, I wonder what it would say? 

Would the first story he would tell be about a young couple 25 years ago who celebrated their first Christmas together snuggled under the glowing lights of their very first Christmas Tree?

Would this ornament remember the Christmas when a stupid cat name Shadow couldn't resist knocking down the Christmas tree, and almost setting the house on fire?

Im sure this ornament would burst with excitement as it told the story of the countless years a growing family laughed, sung, fought, played, cried, and prayed during the crazy month of December.

Without a doubt this ornament would tell the story of that Christmas 6 years ago when a family of five, who used to be six, snuggled under the glowing lights of the tree, not in joyous laughter but in reverence and heartache as their hearts yearned for the women who was everything to them.

I hope this ornament remembers last year's Christmas when my father solemnly passed this ornament, the last one left of my parents first Christmas together, down to me. Now it will hang atop my tree for Robbie and I to make Christmas memories of our very own.

FREE PHOTO SHOOT

2010-12-10T09:59:00.000-08:00

{TRADE FULFILLED. THANK YOU!} 

In the words of Fiddler on the Roof... 

Tradition, tradition! Tradition!
Tradition, tradition! Tradition!

ITS TRADITION!

Everyone has traditions in their families, and at Christmas it seems that families have LOTS of Tradition. Well for YEARS I have had a personal Christmas Tradition. Going to The Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Choir Concert!

This tradition of mine is EVERYTHING. Seriously. To me, it is what plants the spirit of Christmas in my heart not just for December, but all year long. I crave this concert 365 days of the year. I listen to each years past cd all year long. FOR REALS.

This year, I didn't get tickets:( SO SAD. With David Archaletta being the guest this year, it seems everyone applied for tickets. I LOVE David Archaletta, but for me this concert is not about him. Its about the choir.

So dear internet, I am here to make a PLEA with you...

I need 2 tickets to the Friday showing of Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert. In exchange, I will give you a FREE PHOTO SHOOT ($280 value) The free shoot can either happen in December or at the very end of February, or April when I will be coming back to Utah. Your choice!

Let me know if you are interested. jessyrae1030@gmail.com

Merry Christmas!

Don't be silly Toto, Scarecrows don't talk.

2010-12-05T19:19:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all!!
Well 4 months livin' in the big D. And "y'all" is officially apart of daily talk. Y'all dig me? Sweet.

Being on our own in a new city/state is quite the adventure. And the differences between Dallas and Utah County are quite HI-larious. I am always finding treasures of new discoveries and differences. So in light of my new discoveries, I want to start a new series here on my blog called...

(Whenever this banner appears, it means I have found something completely different in Dallas than what I am used to seeing/experiencing in Utah County.

Got it?  Good.  Lets begin.) 

This is what you see on every street corner in the U.C. 

(aka Utah County.  I just made that place so hip by abbreviating the word. I abbrev my words F.Y.)

And this is what you see in Dallas...

So these stores are not on every corner, but I am sure you can understand my shock when I saw these stores lurking around town. 

God Bless Texas.

BEST DAY OF MY LIFE

2010-12-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

Today is a day for the history books! After 3 1/2 years of marriage, Robbie and I did it!!! Did what you ask?  

WE GOT INTERNET!!!

It's time that we officially enter the 21st century. Someday when we get an Ipod and internet on our phones we will enter the cool club of the 21st century. But till then... I will enjoy internet at all times of the day.

I'm so happy I could cry! This is TRULY the best day of my life.

Grateful.

2010-11-29T12:24:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving. Its the kick off to my holiday season. Every year's kick off is relatively the same. It begins with waking up to the first sweet sounds of Christmas music (it's against my religion to listen to Christmas music any earlier) mixed in with sounds of laughing, and The Thanksgiving Day parade blaring in the background. When its time eat, the smells tickle my body with glorious anticipation. We eat. My dad expresses that this "IS THE BEST MEAL HE HAS EVER HAD." (We all roll our eyes at this declaration.)

After dinner, we sit around all day reading ads, watching football, making fun of whoever is making a fool of themselves at the time, and play games. When the night ends, I curl up in bed, with a smile pressed upon my lips and let the tryptophan take over.

This was NOT my Thanksgiving Day this year...

IT WAS BETTER.

Our Thanksgiving Day started on Wednesday with an experience I will never forget. We joined up with a local Realty Group in Dallas and helped with their annual "Feed the Homeless" project. That night, my life was forever changed. We met nine of Dallas' finest people and created 45 care packages that we were able to deliver that night to the Homeless in Downtown Dallas. When the care package went from my arms to arms of the recipient, a connection was made. A connection that we are all children of God. No matter our circumstances. Poor, wealthy, fat, skinny, black, white...
We are ALL children of God.

The smile that will make you shine

2010-11-27T11:15:00.000-08:00

Ya know when you go to dentist to get your teeth clean, and you run your tongue over your newly shined pearly whites, and it they feel so slimy and smooth? OH! I just love it.

Well, you can have that feeling everyday with the Oral B 5000! Robbie and I have had our Oral B (the 4000 model) for a few years now and just LOVE it. We just got an Oral B 5000 as a gift, and since we already have one, we are wanting to sell it. The box has never been opened and includes: 1 handle, 1 smart guide, 1 charger, 1 base station, 2 flossaction brush heads, 1 sensitive brush head, 1 power tip brush head, 1 instructional DVD, and 1 travel case... WOW! That's a TON! It retails at around $115. Depending where you shop.

We are selling ours for $90.(includes shipping and tax)

If you are interested, shoot me an e-mail ASAP. It is a FABULOUS Christmas gift. I bought our tooth brush for Robbie as an anniversary gift, and he hasn't stopped thanking me:)

jessyrae1030@gmail.com!

Being Offended

2010-11-20T14:15:00.001-08:00

I've been questioned if I have horns, wear long dresses all day, while having my hair look like a beehive, and people wondering if I am  Robbie's only wife.

I have been asked "why" I don't drink alcohol, wait for marriage to have sex, why I choose to dress modestly(especially wondering why I don't wear bikinis), and why I don't drink coffee.

People have inquired of "Jo" Smith, the gold bible, and believing in such things as modern day prophets.

.....................

All these "questions" that people have asked me are issues of controversy. Such questions could take someone out of their comfort zone. It can be difficult sometimes to interpret whether people are asking questions out of mere curiosity, or if they are trying to criticize my religious views.

This video below is a good guide that can help anyone decide whether something should be taken as offensive.

Dennis Prager on being offended from Bobby Earle on Vimeo.

I STRONGLY, PASSIONATELY, believe asking questions and having different views is what makes the world a better place. There is nothing worse than when I have a question regarding someone's views about life but I can't ask them because I fear offending them.

Like the advice this video gives, "only be offended when malice was intended, not when a mistake(or in the case, curiosity) was made.

If anyone out there wonders anything about me or my beliefs, please don't ever hesitate to ask me. If you would like to contact me via e-mail, please know questions are ALWAYS welcomed! jessyrae1030@gmail.com

I Love To Laugh

2010-11-07T22:15:00.000-08:00

(okay so i think this song is pretty annoying, but it goes GREAT with my thoughts today!)

Everyone has human needs, and one of mine is to L A U G H! I seriously love to laugh. And I usually laugh at most things... Whether someone just fell down the stairs, and landed hard on their butt, (that's my morbid side) or if your a man who carries a purse (even if they call it a sachel. psshh), or a HILARIOUS joke by my father-in-law. Laughing is 100% a human need of mine.

Since moving to Dallas our circle of friends is quite limited. Robbie has his books, and I have my laptop... Okay so I guess not much has changed. BUT with Bob studying 24/7, laughing at him or laughing while hanging out with friends isn't quite an option at the moment. So I have been getting my laughing drug from Hulu and Netflix (since we are ghetto and don't have T.V.). Here are the most recent T.V. shows that have made me deliriously happy lately, and have tickled my funny bone in the right place!

Number 4:

oh gosh. oh golly! This new show from NBC is cry-yourself-to-sleep-funny. WATCH IT OKAY!

Number 3:

For the last month I have been netflixing seasons of MONK, and watching them while I edit. Monk is not your typical "funny." This show is SUPER DRY and subtle with its humor. Which I LOVE. I am in season 4 right now, and they just keep getting better and better!

Number 2:

I had a REALLY hard time deciding which episode to put in my number 1 spot... But since Modern Family is only in its second season, I decided to make it number 2. Modern Family is quick whited, charming, HILARIOUS, and quite frankly I might have peed my pants watching an episode or two:) Also, I adore this show because Phil Dunphy reminds me of Robbie!

Number 1:

HEAVEN ABOVE this show was made for me! It's clean, it's soooooooo funny, the nicknames they come up with just floor me with their hilarious genius! It has the best theme song on T.V. It makes me dance a crazy jig every time... its quite the little dance I have going:) Everything about Psych makes me happy! And what makes me the most happy? The new season starts up again on Nov. 10th! HOLLA!

pieces.

2010-11-04T22:41:00.000-07:00

My whole heart resides only one place. . . wherever Robbie Man is. But pieces of my heart are scattered throughout the world. Whether in Mexico where I was able to do humanitarian work, or in Nordstrom's with those Steve Madden boots my pocket book can't afford, or at my momma's grave. Pieces of my heart can be found all over the United States. . . In Adamondiahman, Disneyland, Vermont, Lake Powell, Kirkland, NYC, Austin, St. George, Port Orchard, my grandma's house, Nauvoo, the ocean... Any where a happy memory resides, is where pieces of my heart are.

A BIG CHUNK of my heart resides in little Orem, UT. In a small corner of this small city, lies the chunk. For three years, Robbie and I were privileged, blessed, and favored to live in the Stonewood ward boundaries. Here in this ward, I was called to be in Young Womens. To say it was the best calling in the world would be an understatement. My heart fell head-over-heals for every single girl in that program. Tonight, I sit here missing them. Terribly. I pray that I will never forget them, never forget their laughs, their faces, and the memories that were made. I love "my girls!"... and miss them.

And whether they know it or not... each of them hold a piece of my heart.

Im a big kid now!

2010-10-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

Guess who turned...


. . . that would be. . .



ME!!!

Yesterday was my birthday, and oh boy was it G.R.A.N.D.
I woke up to balloons, confetti, a Naked(its a drink peeps), and a birthday sign made by yours truly... I know some may be saying, "You made your own birthday sign?" Well I wanted a cute sign, so I did it the night before while Robbie studied. Don't judge me. (all other birthday decor done my wonderful hubby)







All day I was pampered with kisses, clothes, fab food, hugs, presents!, and a night out on the TOOOOWWWN. To say I was spoiled, is an understatement. My Robbie is TOO good to me.


In honor of my 23 years of living... I decided to make a list...

23 things to-do in 23 years

Swim with Dolphins.
Attend the temple once a week for a whole year.
Go to Africa
Make my baby girls blessing dress from my mom's wedding dress.
Own a home! With LOTS of window's and beautiful molding... these 2 things are a must!
Overcome my addiction to sugar.
Continue to prepare myself to serve a mission with Robbie someday.
Start my humanitarian aid business.
Convince Robbie that Disneyland IS the happiest place on earth... this will take many many trips to convince such a cold hearted person:)
Adopt and/or Foster a child.
Get a wedding published in a major magazine.
Sit at one of my child's extracurricular activities and cheer for them till I loose my voice!
Do a temple session in the Rome Temple.
Write a book/dissertation on the similarities between Les Miserable and God's plan of Justice vs. Mercy.
Photograph a wedding in Hawaii. (hint hint future clients)
Become an AMAZING cook... the kind that brings all my kid's friends to our house to eat scrumptious food.
Go shopping for one whole day, with no money limit, and buy WHATEVER I WANT - yeah, this won't happen for a LOOONNG time.
Go to Lithuania when Robbie graduates.
Buy a families entire Christmas one year. Including food, clothes, toys, and a cherry on top!
Find a picture perfect field of wild flowers, knotty trees, blue skies, and birds singing and stay there all day reading and frolicking in the field... yes, I just said frolick!
Give birth -- YIKES!(hopefully natural... thanks Jen for the encouragement!)
Have a time-share to Lake Powell. ah heaven!
Be a "soccer" mom!

Man, creating this list was SO MUCH FUN! What are some things you want to accomplish in your life?

loves.hugs.

jess

to you. love me.

2010-10-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

remember that time when i was sick and you gave me kisses and told me i was beautiful? i do.

remember that one time i cried & cried about missing my momma & you just cuddled me, petted my head, and told me everything would be okay? i do.

remember that time i came home and was oh.so.very.exhausted and you forced me to lay down so you could give me a massage? i do.

remember that time when we got and married & i never did the dishes for like 3 years? i do.

remember that time i soo mad at nothing and just wanted scream, and you let me? i do.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

for years you have loved me, cherished me and brighten my life with your smile. thanks for all happy love!

good luck with your test, and the growing pains of dental school. I LOVE YOU!

confused.

2010-10-06T22:59:00.000-07:00

so sometimes i pretend to have it all figured out. as in i KNOW EVERYTHING. but i don't know everything...

and tonight i feel like i know nothing. my heart is broken and for some reason puddles of water are resting in my eyelids. i am confused.... confused by the wickedness of the world. puzzled by the hatred of the hearts of many. dumbfounded by how quickly families are ending. disturbed by what is so easily tolerated today in movies, tv, and music.

why are these things happening??

WHY?

tonight i am simply confused.

i am stuck on band-aid brand...

2010-10-04T23:06:00.000-07:00

so did any of your mom's ever tell you band-aids are not toys? well mine sure did! that is why when i was over come with the most dramatic and intense bug bite attack in human experience... i knew that each band-aid i was going to use must be used for only the most serious of situations.

break down of my night a few days ago:

00 am: cry myself to sleep (i exaggerate peeps.) cuz my feet are itching so dang bad.
41: wake up. smother my feet in anti itch cream
17: repeat.
12 repeat.
45: go to the bathroom
23: SO DANG MAD my feet won't stop itching. smother my feet AGAIN. take drastic measures and pull out the band-aids

(there are 11 band-aids on my feet)

at 6:30 in the morning i created my own remedy for bug bites by sticking anti itch cream on the back of the band-aid... and guess what?... IT TOTALLY WORKED!

i went back to sleep, and like a baby.... slept for 5 more uninterrupted hours.

giveaway.

2010-09-16T09:30:00.002-07:00

feeling lucky?

click here!

*
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*****
*******
*********
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hurry up already!

giveaway.

2010-09-16T09:30:00.001-07:00

torrential down pour

2010-09-08T22:53:00.000-07:00

guess who got caught outside during this texas rain storm?

that would be me!

there was water EVERYWHERE! and it all happened in a matter of minutes!

that's a lot of water! geez

insignificant.

2010-09-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

dallas population: 2,413,000. utah county population: 531,000.

fact: i have never felt so insignificant

fact: i love it! and can't wait to make my dent in the world...

. . .and by the world, i mean dallas.

view from the top of our apt.

skool is cool

2010-08-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

 I  got my lunch  packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don't get in a  fight! Ohhhh,  back to schooool! Back to schoooool! Back to schooool!-billy madison.

i feel like such a proud wifey! bob, for the last 2 weeks has been attending dental school! look how cute he was on his first day of school. . .

oh man that's a smile to make any women swoon:)

since starting kindergarten, this is the first semester that I have NEVER started school in the fall. its quite weird. there are some things that I definitely miss about it. the thing i miss most?

S C H O O L    S H O P P I N G! 

I think even though I am not starting school I should be entitled to a new fall wardrobe. all in agreement with me say "I"...

okay, cyber world, i can't really hear you. its okay. i know you support me:)

well, to all of you who started school,

GOOD LUCK!

and enjoy your new school clothes:)

2010-08-25T11:34:00.001-07:00

guess what? I am alive! I have moved to Texas and have something I want to share!

I am so nervous... and super duper excited! If you have been following this blog, you know that I have a photography business. Bella Rae Photography. Well... time has come to retire Bella Rae Photography and introduce you to my new blog! new name! and new joy!

click here!

HURRRRRRRYYYY

bye bye...

hello...

These are a few of my NEW favorite things

2010-04-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

Okay I have a legit question... Why would someone's favorite thing be "when the dog bites, or the bee stings?" REALLY?? That statement seems like a bold faced lie to me... Don't you agree?

Well I am about to share with you some of my most NEW favorite-st things. But don't worry... There is nothing absurd on here like bees stinging people...

1.... Have you had these squares of delicious goodness? NO? Go to your grocery store NOW and buy them. It is literally the perfect cereal. Not too sweet, and doesn't get soggy. mmm....

2.... Bare Minerals Bronzer. Want that sunkissed glow? Do yourself a favor and hook your pasty white skin up with this baby.

3.... Im obsessed with this book. I read (actually listened... its what I do when I am editing.) it about a month ago and I still think about it daily. Its quite interesting.

4. . This is a blog that I have fallen in LOVE with. Check it out. Click here.

What are some of your FAVORITE-ST things? I would love to know...

sandwiches.strawberries.and sun.

2010-04-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

So I am sitting at school and I just asked Robbie what one word he would use to describe our marriage. Here's the breakdown of our convo:

bob: Uhh....

me: don't say something stupid.
bob: duh... I would say the word would be good.
me: good? thats it?
bob: no. how about interesting.
me: That's gay. Say something different.
bob: fine! fun... or happy... yeah our marriage is happy.

I think I might have tricked him into saying that:)

Here are some pics from our very first picnic of the season! YAY for warm weather.

Dandelions and Jake

2010-04-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

Go back in time with me.. Like 12 years.  That makes me 10, and Jake 8.

It was a warm spring afternoon. Jakey (his name when we were little) and I had been sitting in the car what seemed liked YEARS. It probably was more like 5 minutes while my dad took a mad dash to the bathroom. (he ALWAYS did that after we all buckled in and ready to go)

I decided to tell him a little white lie. I told him dandelions grew only in spots where dogs peed... Him, being my younger brother, obviously had an internal need to be smarter than me. After I said that he looked at me and said,

"Gosh Jessy, don't waste my time with stupid facts. Every one knows that."

After that I laughed in his face and told him I was lying and he was the stupid one... So maybe that was a little harsh. He cried. And I got in trouble:(

Every time I see a dandelion, that memories pops back in a head, a smile emerges to my face, I and think of him.

For over a year, Jake has dedicated his life to serving our Savior in cause much greater than us all.

He is sick. And has been for awhile. Will join me and pray for him to be made whole?

CONGRATULATIONS MICHELLE!

2010-04-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

My darling sister Michelle ran for student council awhile ago, and I couldn't post her election poster until after she won...

f

Aren't these adorable? Yeah, I LOVE them!

Easter Joys and Conference

2010-04-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

Was it just me, or was this past weekend just bliss? Does it get better than chocolate, p.j.'s all day, and awesome talks? I think not.

Its a tradition in my family to color holiday pictures during conference. It helps all us ADD-ers to focus and listen.

If you were wondering what my favorite talks are... You can click HERE, HERE and HERE.

During the in-between times of morning and afternoon session, the easter bunny aka Robbie and me, (just for the record... I don't like being the holiday figure of children. It sucks not doing the egg hunt!) came and hid eggs all over the yard. Thank goodness the snow melted by then! YES! I just said snow. It snowed Easter morning. How pathetic, right?

Here are the Egg Hunters:

I don't ask... I just take the pictures. P.S. Those nasty thermals she's wearing were mom's from YEARS ago.

Melt my heart!

Michelle found the poop egg Robbie and I hid.
HA HA HA SUCKER!

This is Maddie's bunny, Tuffy... I was so proud of my edit, I had to show the before and after.

After Robbie and I entertained the children we went over to his house for the annual
SCHAACK FAMILY EASTER EGG HUNT EXTRAVAGANZA

Can I just tell you guys something... This is the MOST epic and exciting thing to happen to me every year. Karen, my mo-in-law, hides eggs all over the yard and, in the dark with a flashlight, we have to hunt for them all over the yard. IT'S A FLIPPIN BLAST. And the best part? The eggs are filled with money money money money money MO-NEE (song courtesy of the apprentice.)

I'm sure you are all wondering who won... I will let the pictures speak for themselves...

Here's another one just in case you wanted more evidence.

I guess it would be fair to say that I DOMINATED their faces.

Thats my war paint on my face... I am all hard core!

Well I hope you all had a FAB weekend.

loves. hugs.

jess.

Consider The Lilies

2010-03-26T15:09:00.001-07:00

My whole life I have always had such an appreciation for beauty. I see things around me that most people pass right by. Like today, I was washing my hands in the bathroom and there was another girl in there and her hair color was BEAUTIFUL. SO BEAUTIFUL. I couldn't control myself from telling her how radiant it was... I sometimes get teary eyed just listening to the birds sing out my window...(don't judge), Or I will be sitting in school studying, and I hear someone laugh and my heart rejoices. I get lost in the rain drops that sit so perfectly on a leaf. There is so much beauty EVERYWHERE.

My soul has always yearned/crave to express the beauty I see around me. I never could figure out a way to do so. I tried singing when I was younger, but let's be honest, I can't sing a note if my life depended on it. Dancing is out of the question, I have absolutely NO rhythm. Painting/drawing? Forget it. My best drawing I have ever done is a stick figure with a dress... You get the picture.

I remember one night asking my God to provide me a way to help me express the beauty of His earth. His creations.

That prayer was offered a little over a year ago. And since that prayer I have started my photography business. My camera has turned into SO much more than a piece of equipment that makes me money...

It has become an expression of my soul.

Embarking upon my photography business has been the most rewarding experience of my life. It has brought me closer to God and the beauty of His earth. I am SO FAR from where I want my photography talent to be, but I am content with opportunities I have to express the beauty my heart sees.

I was at a devotional today and the choir sung one of my favorite songs. I think it perfectly states my desire for beauty, and my yearning to create it.

Here are some pics I took while in Washington.

My VIP treatment

2010-03-23T21:02:00.001-07:00

This is what greeted me as I got off my plane after being away from my Robbie for 5 days. This sounds silly to some people, but I don't care. Being away from him for 5 days was one of the hardest things ever. He is my other half!

I spy with my little eye

2010-03-21T01:07:00.000-07:00

Look at this little jewel I captured today.

YOUNG VICTORIA

2010-03-13T11:02:00.000-08:00

I sat in the theater with Lindsey at my left and Victoria in front of me. I was lost in her eyes and her sheer determination to inherit the thrown. I was enthralled when she looks to Prince Albert and kindly, but sternly said, "You should never have to apologize for your passion...."

Passion is such an interesting thing. If you know me, you know, that down to the littlest fibre of my soul, I am engrained with passion. I either LOVE LOVE LOVE something or HATE HATE it. Lucky for me, I love most things, and people:) If I am committed (keyword) to something, my WHOLE heart is committed. I never to a half-butt job. (side-note to all teachers or anyone who has asked me to do something, and I have never delivered... its because, for some reason, I was not invested in your cause. Its not your fault. Its mine for never seeing your vision of how it would benefit me.)

Growing up my passion was completely out of control. And that last sentence is quite an understatement! I could go on for hours of humiliating stories. But for sake of time, and my dignity (some of you may be saying, "what dignity?") I will keep those stories wrapped up. I came to a point in my life where I hated myself. I hated that I felt so much for everything and everyone. I remember one night sobbing, asking God if I could just stop feeling so much. I couldn't take it anymore.

If you were to ask me today what my favorite thing about myself is, I would tell you my passion. My passion for life, my passion for love, my passion for Christ, my passion for happiness. Years since that experience I have realized, that a life without passion is no life at all.

It has been quite a journey for me turning my greatest weakness into one my greatest strengths. But this journey has been remarkable. It has fulfilled in me the the scripture found in
2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Young Victoria is filled with grace, love, drama, BEAUTIFUL clothing, and most importantly PASSION. If you are looking for a movie with great acting, beautiful cinematography and a love story that is simple and perfect, do yourself a favor and go see YOUNG VICTORIA. I promise you won't regret it.

Why can't I step on cracks?

2010-03-11T13:52:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wish someone else could enter my head. Someone to help me figure out why I am the way that I am. Im quite the odd duck... Speaking about ducks!, here is a picture of a duck I took during the summer.

wow...random tangent.

I try to be "cool" but let's face it...
I AM ODD.
I can't help it. Its the way God made... And God don't make no junk:)

I was walking to school today and I caught my self singing to myself, out loud.

Don't step on a crack or you'll fall and break your back.
Don't step on a crack or you'll fall and break your back.

repeated over and over

And then I realized for the last 5 minutes I had not stepped on one crack in the sidewalk... Then, for the remainder of my journey I could not bring myself to step on one measly crack. WHAT THE HECK? Who does that?

Also when cars would pass me I would glare at them and then say to myself out loud...

"What you lookin at Willis?"

Then I would giggle to myself... out loud.

I seriously could entertain myself for hours.

happy thursday!

loves. hugs.

jess

BLING BLING

2010-03-07T18:25:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl, I used to sit in church and pry her ring off her finger. I would play with it pretending that it was MINE. That my dreamy prince had just put it on my tiny little girly fingers. With my baby eyes the diamond was SO big and sparkly. I thought it was the BEST wedding ring in the whole entire world.

Years and years have past since those early church days of fantasizing that such a sparkly ring would grace my fingers. I now sit in church and play with that SAME ring. And my prince?... He sits right next to me during church.

Three years ago today, Robbie proposed to me and placed her ring on my finger. It's been the happiest three years of my ring finger's life!

FOR SALE

2010-03-05T17:52:00.000-08:00

Call me CRAZY, but I don't feel there is a need for this sign.....

Talk about a hunk of junk!

CHILE EARTHQUAKE

2010-03-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

This is some what lengthy, but TOTALLY worth every second of your day.
SERIOUSLY!

This is a letter a good family friend sent after the Chile Earthquake. Her and her husband are serving as Mission President and wife over the Santiago East Chile Mission. This letter was published by Meridian Magazine. If you want to read the whole article click HERE.

Here some highlights from the letter....

When we were set apart for this calling, Elder Scott of the Council of the Twelve Apostles taught us many important lessons. He spoke from personal experience when he was a mission president in Argentina. One message that he shared with us is this: "At times, during your mission, you will be awakened in the middle of the night or the early morning hours with thoughts of specific things you should do for certain missionaries. Do not ignore these thoughts. They are promptings from the Holy Ghost who will communicate with you in the stillness of the night or the peace of the early morning hours. He will speak to you then because that is when you are still enough to hear."

Elder Scott further instructed us to keep a notebook beside our bed so that we could record these precious promptings. He said that by the next morning, we would be likely to forget the promptings if we didn't write them down.

We have been astonished at the fulfillment of Elder Scott's prophetic words. We have received many promptings in the exact manner that Elder Scott described. We are so thankful that Elder Scott taught us how to recognize and act upon these precious promptings. Had he not taught us, we may not have given these promptings the attention they require.

Nearly two-and-one-half weeks ago, I was awakened at around 4:00 AM by just such a prompting. I did not hear a voice, but the thought was as clear as if it had been in the form of spoken words: "There is going to be an earthquake. Prepare your missionaries." I sat up in bed and immediately remembered Elder Scott's counsel. That morning I told Larry what had happened. He immediately set to work organizing our missionaries to prepare for an earthquake........

We set a goal and arranged our schedule so that we could visit every apartment in the mission to check for safety and to review with our missionaries what to do in case of an earth quake. "...if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" (D&C 38:30).

We instructed every missionary to have a "go-bag" (36 hour kit). We reviewed our emergency action plan with them of where to go and what to do if they had phone service and in case they did not. We gave everyone a paper with all instructions in English and Spanish, and we reminded them that "this life is the time to prepare to meet God" (Alma 34:32-34). We shared with them our thoughts and feelings about the need for spiritual and physical safety.
Some of them became frightened and asked us if we knew something they didn't know. We smiled and repeated "...if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." We didn't want to unduly alarm them, but we did want to impress upon them the need to be prepared. We reissued our challenge to "be prepared" in every way. Then we knelt with them in their apartment and dedicated each apartment, asking for a blessing of safety and security to be upon every apartment.....

As the earthquake became more violent, the mission home groaned and wailed. The power died, so the whole city was black. The windows made a hideous screeching sound, and flying objects banged against swaying walls. The printer/fax machine, books, book ends, and fifty-pound television burst from the entertainment center and crashed to the floor, cabinets emptied, drawers flew open, the refrigerator moved, water sloshed out of the toilets, the floor jolted up and down as we ran across it trying to hold onto the walls to keep from falling down, and the piano toppled over like a small toy. As we made our way to the back yard, I remember thinking, "God is all-powerful. He is our only refuge from this horrible mess." I prayed and prayed for Him to still the earth.

When we reached the back yard, we watched in terror. By the light of the moon we could see the swimming pool water form giant waves and crash out onto the rocks. House and car alarms screamed into the night...some from being crushed by falling debris and others, I guess, from the bizarre movement of the earth. I am not sure if the intense rumbling sounds came from the earth itself or from everything else that was shaking so violently. Finally, it stopped.

When the calm came, we had to sit down because our legs were weak and unstable. My legs stayed wobbly all day and night yesterday. Today the muscles in my legs hurt like I ran a marathon. The aftershocks have been extremely unsettling. Each one begins like the one last night started. We just close our eyes and wait to see if it escalates or dies down. I have never experienced anything like this!...

Thankfully, the Lord is in charge. He is the one to whom we must turn for refuge from every storm. He has the power to save us.

my hole.

2010-02-28T20:09:00.000-08:00

I have a whole in my heart. Did I tell you that? It's true. It's been there for 5 years. It can't be seen by x rays, or the natural eye. But its there. And it will never go away. Sometimes I think its gone, but after days like this, I am reminded it's still there.

It's been 5 year 3 months 29 days since I've seen her face. I miss it. A lot.

Until the day I see her and touch her skin, my hole, burned into my heart by her death will forever be there.

Angels and Demons

2010-02-22T18:49:00.001-08:00

Remember how I started doing movie reviews? Well I forgot to mention that I will be doing them WAY after they have been released. I don't really make it to the movie theater that much:)

I would give this movie 2 1/2 chickens (I don't want to use stars... everyone uses stars.) Here's my opinion:

P R O ' S

WAY good dialogue. The conversations between science vs. religion was totally captivating.
The story line. I did not read the book so it kept me guessing the whole time. I LOVE THAT. Usually I can predict how movies are gonna end... but not this one.
No sex or hardly any swearing.

C O N ' S

TOO MUCH VIOLENCE. Goodness gracious, people were dying everywhere. It was getting SO old. Plus some of the deaths were pretty gruesome. Not my cup of tea.
When movies are made about another religion, I am always somewhat sensitive to the material in it. I don't know what's true to their faith or being made up. I don't want to assume weird things about them until I know the facts. Being a Mormon, I can totally sympathize with false doctrine being spread about ones faith.
The freakin good guy ended up being the bad guy. I hate it when that happens in movies. I get too emotionally attached the characters.

Here was my favorite line from the movie. I find it quite profound:

science and religion are not enemies! There are simply some things that science is just too young to understand. So the church pleads: "stop", "slow down", "think", "wait"... and for this - they call us backward. But who is more ignorant: the man who cannot define lightning, or the man who does not respect its natural awesome power? 

Quack. Quack. Im QUIRKY

2010-02-19T10:04:00.000-08:00

I have a life long mission to live a transparent life. To complete this mission, it means I need embrace the inner me. ALL OF ME. Even my quirkiness.

On Tuesday I worked for basically 14 hours straight. By the end of the night I was so perma-fried, all socially normal behaviors went out the window! Any social dignity I had was gone. Lucky for me, I was at my own house so Robbie was the only one who got the CRAZY one women show.

In our bedroom, we have a small double door storage area built into the wall. While Robbie was brushing his teeth, I though I would be SO funny and attack him with tennis balls. I hid behind the door and waited for the enemy, aka Robbie to emerge into our bedroom. I had a hard time being silent behind the doors, because I was chuckling my evil little laugh. Robbie entered the room, and BAM! I threw about 15 tennis balls at him, and hit him TWICE. I was laughing so hard I couldn't even hit him.

Bless Robbie's heart for putting up with me:)

My quirkiness doesn't come out only after 14 hours of work. I am quirky 24/7. I decided to share with you a list of my daily quirks.

1. Every morning, I eat my cereal in Tupperware. I have no clue why I don't use a real bowl, but I don't.
Me + cereal in Tupperware = happiness

2. I am a creature of habit. When I start a new semester, I sit down in my classroom, and that seat becomes MINE for the whole semester. If someone else sits there one day, I secretly hate them.

3. I peel my banana's at the bottom. ALWAYS. No exceptions.

4. After I get done getting ready, I look in the mirror and smile at myself. Why? Your never fully dressed without a smile:)

5. I don't sleep with sheets. And my blanket can NEVER be tucked in. Drives me nuts.

6. If I am in a bathroom with a shower curtain, and that curtain is closed, I have to open it to see if there is a boogy man in there.

7. When I am turning up the volume on the remote, the number MUST be an even number. Except it can land on a 5. Five is the ONLY exception.

8. When I eat frosted mini-wheats, I separate them into 3 piles. 1) The sugary goodness ones to go in my Tupperware. 2) The not enough frosting ones. (they go in the garbage.) 3. The maybe pile. Ridiculous, I know.

Well this is all I could come up with since I have been sitting here in class for 20 minutes.

What are your quirks? Come on don't ashamed. EMBRACE your inner quirk

Since all posts are better with a picture. This is me after my 2hour Valentines Day nap.

happy friday.

loves.hugs.kisses.

jess.

Moments spared in time

2010-02-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

for this month of L.O.V.E. i wanted to write little memories i have of you. memories that make me BEAM inside and out every time i think about them.

one. we were sitting in your car with the heater on full blast, staring at the temple that split between the trees. the lights from that magnificent structure made everything around us look as it was daylight. you were teasing me about something. and then it happened... you kissed me. kissed me for the first time.

and at that moment. time had stopped.

two. once again, we find ourselves sitting in the car. driving this time. driving home from a basketball game. i looked at you, you looked back. and that one look brought tears to eyes. happy tears. tears of joy because you were dating ME.

and at that moment, on the free way, time ceased to exist.

three. you rang the doorbell. the butterflies in my tummy were fluttering their little wings faster than they had ever fluttered before. i went to the door...actually i RAN to the door. My eyes met yours. and instantly all butterflies came to a hault. I was looking at my future husband. the man who came to take me to the temple. my eternal companion. my everything.

and at that moment, in my doorway, time was lost.

four. it was late. like 2 in the morning late. i was having a meltdown. tears were everywhere, and i had no idea if they would ever stop. my arms flung around your neck, and i squeezed you so tightly i was surprised you could breath. and in my ear you whispered words of love. i stopped.

and that moment, through my wet eyes, time was nowhere to be found.

five. once again it is late. this time 3 in the morning. you have been sleeping for hours. i crawl into bed, and immediately your body is wrapped around mine, and in your deep slumbers, instinctively you announced to me, "I LOVE YOU."

and at that moment, in the wee hours of the night, while you were fast asleep time was at a halt.

six. i was scared. scared to start my photography business. there were too many unknowns. and you know me, i don't like the unknown. you sat their, on the couch, for hours couching me and building my confidence. and your talk did it. it inspired me. it gave me the push i needed. you gave me wings. wings to fly.

and at that moment, with the wings on my back, time had dismissed itself.

seven. it happened last week. i was in the kitchen. i came to find you. i found you kneeling. kneeling at our bed praying to god. praying is not uncommon to you, but while i stared at you i felt like i could hear your prayers, hear you giving thanks to our lord and savior. i was overcome by the spirit. gratitude for you was spilling out of my soul.

and that moment, while your knees were down and prayers were being sent to up, time was frozen. frozen by god.

rob dog i love you. you are my love and my life.

happy love month everyone!

I don't wanna grow up....

2010-02-06T11:31:00.001-08:00

I'm a Toy's R Us kid!

Robbie affectionately teases me probably on a daily basis on how I'm still like a little kid. And his teasing is true. I am SO like a little kid. So it got me thinking and I have come up with a list of ways I still have not grown up.

1. When given a choice to watch a movie, my instinct is to ALWAYS pick a Disney Movie. Here a few of my favorites:

{wow, I had a hard time just picking a few. I could have chosen WAY more:)}

2. I prefer drinking from a water bottle, because it makes me feel like its a baby bottle. Hmm... that's kind of embarrassing to admit!

3. I am still afraid of the dark. TRUE STORY! We can't go to sleep at night till I shut my eyes tight and grab the covers. THEN, Robbie can turn the light off.

4. When I'm sick or even just have a headache or tummy ache, I won't get medicine for myself. I like Robbie to do it because it makes feel like I'm being taken care of. My mom used to ALWAYS give me my medicine.

5. I still say Tummy:)

6. I can't hold still in church. It's true. One Sunday we were sitting in the pew in front of the bishops wife and family, and after sacrament meeting she tapped my shoulder and asked if I have ADD. Kind of embarrassing.

7. I wear my hair in braids AT LEAST once a week. Want proof? This is what I look like today:

8. I don't go pee until the very last second. Like right now, I am dancing in my chair, and squeezing my thighs together. TMI?

9. I may or may not whine till I get my way:) The sad thing about this one is Robbie doesn't give in to my whining.

10. You can bribe with me candy, and I'll do a chore.

Maybe after people read this post, they will stop asking us when we are going to have kids. They will see that Robbie already has one:) {P.S. It does NOT bug me when people ask us this.}

Power in Words

2010-02-01T18:57:00.000-08:00

This was sent to me from my cousin. Its BEYOND beautiful.

THE INVITATION

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon...
I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life's betrayals
or have become shriveled and closed
from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your
fingers and toes
without cautioning us to
be careful
be realistic
to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.

If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithful
and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand on the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
"Yes."

It doesn't interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after a night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the center of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.

- Oriah Mountain Dreamer
From Dreams of Desire (1995)
© 1995 by Oriah House. All Rights Reserved.
Published by Mountain Dreaming
300 Coxwell Avenue, Box 22546
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M4L 2A0

Oriah writes:

While I am pleased that this piece, The Invitation, has spoken to many others and happy that it is being shared, I would ask that you honour the original by sharing it as it was written.

CELEBRATION! JUBILATION!

2010-01-31T21:08:00.000-08:00

Today is a GLORIOUS day! A day of CELEBRATION. Anyone who's anyone is GIDDY inside for a day like today... Does any one know why a PERMA-GRIN is on my face?
Today is.........................

JANUARY 31, 2010!

No more January for one whole year!YIPPEE SKIPPEE

Here are some pictures that show me that their is warmth, and its just around the corner! Just a few more months baby! I can SO do it! (hopefully:))

Does your soul crave shorts, beaches, bbq's, and hikes like mine does?

Popcorn and a diet coke please!

2010-01-28T20:35:00.000-08:00

I love movies. Love them like Robbie, God and my mac... Umm.. So maybe not that much. But its pretty high up there on the list. My love for them has inspired me to start a new segment here on d-e-p. (HA! I totally just made my blog sound 5 times cooler)

I want to feature movies I L.O.V.E. Oldies, goodies, newies:)

Here is my first feature film for today!

SWOON! This movie is my happy place. Its as happy as a big fat slice of cheese cake (from PF Changs of course!).

Growing up, my mom would take a personal or sick day and watch the 6 hour version of Pride and Prejudice. My dad and I always made fun of her and could never imagine why she could get so much enjoyment out of 6 hours of words like Thither, Mischance, Felicity. (Ah that is a line from another movie. can you name it?)

Well if I was to total all the hours I have spent watching this 2 hour movie, I would probably come close to doubling her times of watch the 6 hour version.

I am captivated by the music, the movements of the wind, the enchanting dusk light in so many sceans. I am moved when Darcy looks at Elizabeth, and squeal every time they kiss at the end. I am in my own heaven when I sit and watch the scenery of the skies, and manors, and lakes.

I believe this film is perfect in every way. If you have not seen it, no worries, give me a call and we can watch it together!

Much love,

Jess

Set Fire to the Third Bar

2010-01-27T15:36:00.001-08:00

I am in heaven!

I need a helmet

2010-01-26T15:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday...

bleh....

Have you ever just woken up and known your day was going to be crappy?
Well yesterday gets a big fat F-.

I called Robbie at 3:30 yesterday while I was in the middle of the hall at school and told him that if I was in a more conducive crying place, I would be a big fat blubbering whale. The funny thing is, at that time during the day, I didn't really have a reason for tears.

But the reason did come a few hours later.

I nanny part-time on Tues. and Thurs. The dad called me and informed me that they were letting me go. BOO! He said with the economy, they need some one to be able to put in more hours so his wife can work more.

After that convo happened I turned into the BIG FAT BLUBBERING WHALE that almost happened earlier that day. It was quite a pitiful site. Lucky for me, Robbie was home and held me so tight and let me just go at it for a few moments. (I feel very lucky to have him). After the tears were shed, I felt a little better. It's funny how crying does that?.

I told my cousin about what happened and she get all giddy for me? hmm... Not the reaction I was looking for. She said that she could not wait to see what God has planned for me now... talk about an instant smile to a face.

So yesterday is in the past, and today is new....

I can't wait to see what is in store!

But for the record: If days like this become a common thing I think I will need to invest in a helmet, because life can be BUTT HARD sometimes.

We're all dying...

2010-01-22T14:37:00.000-08:00

Today is an interesting day.

A very interesting and thought provoking day.

A day where I am re-directing my life course. A life course that I have always wanted, but didn't know til now. Does that make sense? If it doesn't, thats okay. I'm still trying to figure it out.

I have such a need inside of me to help people. I'm sure we all do. We are humans. We are brothers and sisters. This Haiti disaster has made me contemplate a lot of things. So much to the point, I was on the internet today trying to figure how I could adopt a Haitian orphan... May sound crazy, but my heart is breaking for them.

In my Positive Psychology class today we watched Patch Adams. I've never seen that movie. Have you? It really has added to the thoughts swarming my brain. His love for people is beautiful. I want to love that way, I want to love everyone that way. In the movie he says a quote.

" We're all dying Truman (they are pre-med students).

Our job is to increase health.

Do you know what that means? That means we are to

improve the quality of life, not just delay death."

This quote hit me hard. So hard I have decided to dedicate my life to this cause. The cause of improving quality of life. I want to dedicate my soul and feed it by engaging in Humanity Causes. This is always something I have wanted to do. Really it has. But it has always been on my "Things I want to do in my life" list. Well today, it has entered on the "Things I WILL do with my life" list.

I am so excited about this! I feel so blessed to have come to this revelation. I also know HOW I am going to do it. My photography. My photography is going to be my means to help me complete hearts desire. Robbie's dentistry will also be my second means. We have always wanted to use his skills to help others, but today it has changed from want to a WILL. We WILL use his skills. And they will be mad awesome when he's done with his schooling:)

So since I am dying, and so are you.... What cause do you want to join in during your life? After all... Its our one chance to live.

I'll end with a few pictures of a Humanitary trip Robbie and I went on to Mexico in 2008.

We built a house....

The Gift

2010-01-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

I am a firm believer that everyday is a total gift. Though I truly believe that, not everyday feels like a gift. I mean lets be honest I can think of sooo many days that are not so awesome days. Some of those for me would include: Big test days, Getting in an argument, waking up at the butt crack dawn for pointless things, when you see a fresh blanket of snow (now those days really chap my behind!). Any ways you get the picture.

Sometimes its just far too easy to identify the bad days. So I wanted to share with some of my best days. The days that are truly gifts from above.

1. June 2, 2007. By far the best day of my life. On this day I received the whole shabang! I got Wobbie Man! I can still remember as clear as the blue ocean every detail of that day. When he picked me up at my house, to drive up to the temple, I can still remember the beats of my heart. It marched to the tune of pure bliss. Everything about that day was perfect. Seriously.

2. New York 2006. This is a day that will stay dear to my heart till the day I die. It included: Me. My daddy. And the City. It was so magical. We were their for less than 24 hours, and it was some of the best 24 hours of my life. My dad gave me the reins to do what I wanted to do! Can you guess what we did? We shopped till we dropped. Literally! One one or two occasions I found him passed out on the busy NYC sidewalks. When night time came we hit it up WICKED. It was my graduation present from him. It was the ideal day. After all, at that time, he was the man of my life.

3. January 2, 2010. It was a day full of the past, love, and learning. A few months before I had an overwhelming feeling that I needed to conduct an interview with my Papa. So Robbie made it happen. He booked us some tickets over Christmas to Washington and had the time of a lifetime.

My cousin Jen did the interview and gave Barbara Walters a run for her money. She was flawless with her mad interviewing skills. We sat for 2 hours and listened to him to tell stories of his life. He shared with us words of wisdom and love. Every second was magical. It is a treasure that will remain in my heart forever.

Here are some pictures of that day:

It started off looking at old photo albums. CLASSIC!

This is Jen doing the interview.

2010-01-10T14:16:00.001-08:00

Please enjoy the video's that brought the biggest smile to my face in 10 and half months. This kid brings me more joy than can be explained:)

Elder Perry is doing such a fabulous job in South Africa!
He is loving every second... and from these video's we can really see that it is every second.

Answers Come.

2010-01-03T22:04:00.000-08:00

When I sat down last week and wrote about my thoughts in TIME. I didn't think I would recieve an answer as to how I was going to accomplish my goal of finding more time. But I have. Really! I wanna share it... With you!

My sweetie and I have been in Washington for a week. It's been truly blissfull. Full of family, love, and laughter. It has been very soul healing for me. I have come to a happy place this last week. A place brought to me by God.

I stayed with my dear dear cousin. She is a non-denominational Christan. I am mormon (also Christan). Many beautiful Christ-centered discussions happened this week... And when I say beautiful, it really is no joke.

What I experienced this week was a very humbling and WONDERFUL experience. I was taught through the example of my cousin what it truly means to submit your life to Christ. Her conviction and devotion to Jesus Christ is so beautiful. Seriously as beautiful as a little child's laugh. It's so pure. She gets it. And she taught me, through her example, how to submit to Him and His will everyday.

And that's the answer to my TIME question. SUBMISSION! If I can wake up every morning, with a pure heart and submit my day to his, I will not have to worry about getting everything done that I need to. Because I will be doing what he wants me to do. And not what I think HAS to get done. Trust me, I know I will not be perfect at this, but I feel very happy and smiley inside at the thought I recieved an answer to a question. It a great feeling:)

Thanks for reading:)

x0x0

Colors of my life....

2009-12-29T23:39:00.000-08:00

Pike Place Market. Seattle, Washington.

My thoughts...

2009-12-27T17:15:00.000-08:00

....At this moment in T.I.M.E

I want more. More of what you ask? More T.I.M.E to do things I love. If I had more, this is what I would do....

1. Read. I love to read. I don't do it much anymore. Robbie told me about this article he read about Steven Covey how he fits 2 hours of his day to read and to learn. EVERY DAY. 2 HOURS!

2. Serve. My dear friend, our landlord, is moving in a few days to Texas, and she is uber stressed out and there is only so much I can do to help her get ready. I want to relieve her stress and comfort her. But I can only do so much... Why? Because I don't have enough time.

3. Exercise. I have been putting this in my schedule more than usual but not as much as I would like.

4. Go to the Temple. Robbie and I go once a month, but I wanna go more. I love that place. Like a lot.

5. Do the Lord's will. I focus so much what I want to do.... Such as this list.. What does he want me to do?

6. Dejunk my nasty apartment. I have always kept spaces I lived in pretty dang clean, but since starting my photography buisness, my apt has been put on the back burner. Like waaayyyy on the back burner!

These are the few things that came to me pretty quickly. I know many people who get all this done and more during a week or a day. I need to organize my life better. Find a way to balance it all. I know its such a common issue to not have a balanced life but I believe it can be done. I just don't know where to start. Can someone help me? What are ways you complete your "to-do" list, or do those things your heart most desires? I need some tips.... I love to learn from others....

Let me Learn from you!

CA-RISS-MAS Time with the fam

2009-12-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

Attention Notice: So I just did this whole post, but there are more of our friends and fam looking for OUR BIG announcement... Just scroll down.

Temple Square: A Utah Tradition.

As it is with so many families, it is with mine. Here are the highlights of our little rondayvoo.

We started the night with a pig and a musician.... (That's a weird sentence)

This is Princess Amanda serenading us to some fab Christmas Carol.

But the Princess could not have all the attention, Cool dude needed to feel the love.

We made our way to Crown Burger, and Michelle was feeling attention derived as well. And I guess in my family, the way to get attention is to act like an animal?

Here is da widdle kitty...

Of course if you go to the Skquare, (thats my gansta word for Temple Square) you have to stop for photo's. And you can bet your bottom dollar we did just that....

Look at that good looking family! Of course there were a few member missing...

Jeff and Stacy: Minnesota
Kyle and Natalie: Busy with work:(

Me and the Rob dog... So Im not vain... (well maybe a little.) And I like these two pictures so much I put both up... Dont judge me. Oh and can you please tell me how adorable my hat is?

And I love this picture of my little sister... Its so... Solemn in a way...

And that concludes our night of pics... Oh except for Rae Rae... She's kind of a confused soul and thinks we are her family. Its okay... We'll totally claim her...

And boys and girls just remember this one thing...

Jesus is the Reason for the Season :)

Our BIG HUGE Announcement

2009-12-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

IT FINALLY TIME TO TELL YOU ALL....
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WE ARE SO EXCITED TO SHARE....
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OUR BIG HUGE NEWS.....
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WE'RE HAVING A.....
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M I S S I O N ! ! ! ! !
(And by mission we mean journey)

Bob and I are going to Baylor Dental School in Dallas Texas!
We could not be more excited!
We leave June 2010!

The spirit of CHRISTmas.

2009-12-14T10:37:00.001-08:00

Ah man, I love little reminders like this! Gets me cryin like a little baby:)

Enjoy my friends!

xoxo

MEET: THE GREG

2009-12-13T17:11:00.000-08:00

The time has come. I feel like the world is ready. . . . maybe? It's time for the unveiling of the one (thank heavens:)), and only GREG, GREGGERS, GREGGY BOY!!

It is a very difficult process to begin to describe him. But I am ready to take on the challenge. He is a 6' 7" man of pure awesomeness. Who's motto in life is "Anything for a cheap laugh." And trust me peeps, he lives by this RELIGIOUSLY. Want some examples? OKAY!

CHEAP LAUGH #1

What is this picture of you are asking yourself? Well this is the Glove box of The Greg. That silver object to the left? The Remington 5000 nose hair trimmer.

On our way up to the Big SLC. He decided to trim up those hairs lurking out of his nose.

CHEAP LAUGH #3 (my life has been threatened if I show #2. But guys.... ITS FUUUNNNNYYY)

This video is The Greg to a T! In the middle of Temple Square, he felt the urge to whip out his Kazoo, (yes, he carries a Kazoo?) and entertain the world with Christmas Carols. Take a look!

(sorry its upside down. And sorry its a little shaky. I was laughing quite ridiculously hard.)

We think there might be crack in the kazoo:)

CHEAP LAUGH #4

When we were in the car on the way home, he started singing, ya know to get us to laugh. But it actually turned into a very calming, beautiful, peaceful moment. Its a video I will draw much love and happiness on for years to come.

(Once again, upside down, oops!)

Greggory Griggs.... I love you! Thank you for an unforgettable evening! Im sure we are all scarred for life:) xoxoxo

A list vs. Hit List

2009-12-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

Its time for another installment of A List vs. Hit List. If you are new, and don't what this is. Click HERE to read the explanation.

This is A List vs. Hit List Holiday style....

Y E A H B A B Y ! ! !

1. SNOW! I have a slogan.... Say NO to SNOW. Forget drugs.... SNOW is much more dangerous.

2. COLD!!! Anything COLD. COLD tile floors. COLD covers. COLD steering wheel. COLD feet.

3. THE MALL... DUN DUN DUN! Dude talk about a nut house. Peeps are crazy there around this time.

1. Christmas Lights. They make me feel oh so Merry and Bright inside... and my apartment.

2. Wrapping Paper. I love pretty things. And festive holiday wrap is always a jolly joy!

3. Christmas Traditions. They bring me much jubilee inside and take me back to my kiddo days.

4. Christmas Movies! Oooh fuuudge! Only I didn't say "Fudge." I said THE word, the big one, the queen-mother of dirty words, the "F-dash-dash-dash" word!... yeah, thats classic!

Well there you go! Holiday style baby!

What are some of your Christmas joys? Please tell....

To: Her

2009-12-07T19:13:00.000-08:00

I feel her. Everyday. She is with me. She guides me. Directs me.

At Christmas it is stronger. Her spirit that is. She is not just felt by me, but by Robbie. We were decorating the tree. I was stringing the lights, he was holding the lights. He hugged me and squeezed me oh so tight, and with emotion in his voice, said, "I feel her. She is here."

Of course she was. While I was growing up, Christmas was her thing. Like how Peanut butter's thing is jelly. Christmas and her were meant for each other. You would look at her and your breath would be taken because you didn't know if you were looking at an angel or not. Christmas lights danced in her eyes. The smell of the tree was embedded in her clothes. Her heart radiated Christ's. She talked in Christmas tunes. She was at home. December was her home.

I miss her this time of year. Like really miss her. I want to smell her. Touch her. Talk to her.

But I know she is with me. Why? Because I feel her.

My tree this year is dedicated to her. To be honest, every year it is dedicated to her.

Fairy Tale

2009-12-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

Click HERE

Broken Heart

2009-12-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

Ya know those times in life when you made a decision and you know it's the right one, but still after you made it your in pain....

Like your heart is being sawed in half kind of pain.?!

Well this is one of those moments.

(Mrs Schaack's AM class 2009. Sorry, I don't have a photo of my PM class)

For the last 2 1/2 years my heart has belonged to the faces and spirits who have attended Learning Dynamics.

Teaching all my different classes, and all my different students has brought more joy to heart than I could ever imagine... or even expressed.

I will miss....

Listening to them try to say Mrs. Schaack. Some of the more classic ones are... Mrs. Tack, Mrs. Shick, Mrs. ummm.... how do I say your name?, and my favorite. Mrs. Wack.

Watching the light in their eyes as you compliment them for doing such a fantastic job coloring their paper.

Watching the light in their eyes as they connect what you are teaching them.

Dancing around the classroom.

Making up stories about Princesses and Dinosaurs.

Comforting them when someone doesn't share with them or if they got a boo boo.

But what I will miss more than anything is....

My kids storming, and knocking me down to give me a HUGE hug everday as they tell me over and over how much they love me.

I LOVE YOU CLASS!!!!!

Side note: To any of my parents who are reading this, if any, thank you for raising such beautiful children. Thank you for sharing their beautiful spirits and their light with me. Being a part of their life has changed me more than I could have explain. I am more full of patience, love, endurance, kindness, and all other things in between because you allowed them to be apart of my life. To you, I am forever indebted to you. Thank you.

My List of thanks!

2009-11-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

Muchas gracias

Merci beaucoup

D a n k e

G r a z i e

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T H A N K Y O U ! ! !

Just like many of you, my heart is full of thanks for what I have. And what kind of American would I be without my list of thanks. So for Thanksgiving 2009, here my list of thanks.
(Please Note: These are in no particular order)

1. My heart rejoices this day for the heater that rests right now at the bottom of my feet. What a joy to stay warm as I talk to you. For this I give thanks.

2. My heart melts for the arms that wrap around me when I curl up in bed and snuggle up close to the man of my dreams. Even if he's asleep, his arms naturally wrap around me just to let me know that I am safe and loved. For this I give thanks.

3. My heart jumps this day for my clients. My hopes, dreams, and wildest aspirations are becoming true because of them. For this I give thanks.

4. My heart is warm as I think about my daddy and annettie slaving at home getting their home ready Thanksgivng. I give extra thanks to my daddio for being a bright shining beam of light love and happiness. For these people, I give thanks.

5. My heart sings for those who share their talents with the world. I give a special shout out to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and their 2006 Christmas CD, Spirit of the Season. (you don't own it? Shame on you!) For all of you who have found courage to tap into your creative side, and inspire me, for you, I give thanks to you.

6. My heart is humbled as I think of my Savior, Redeemer, and friend. To him I give ALL the thanks in the world

7. My heart giggles as I think of my sisters and how wonderful, pure and precious they are. Especially how they have made the conscious decision to remain modest, beautiful, young women. To you, my best friends, I give thanks.

8. My heart is honored as I think about the family who has changed my life. Has given me a sense of being, a family who has taught me what unconditional love and showed me what selfless service looks like. To you, Hoelschers, I give thanks.

9. My heart swells with love as I think of my brother serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints. He gives me strength every week as I eagerly read his letters of a strong testimony and devotion to our Savior and Redeemer of the world. To him, and ALL other missionaries serving I bow my head with respect and gratitude, and give thanks.

10. My heart is blessed as I think of these two perfect spirits who have blessed my family more than anyone will ever know. Whether by their notes of loves and encouragement, their Sunday night dance show, their unique sense of humor, or just how thin the veil is when you are around them. To you, Cool Dude Katie Perry Soto, and Princess Amanda, I give a HUGE thanks.

11. My heart is grateful as I think about the SCHAACK PACK. HOLLA!!! You are my familia! My friends! Your love for me and Robbie and sense of humors give me much much much much joy. To my father in law, You rock my world. To my mother in law, your heart full of charity is inspiring. To all of you, In Utah, Texas, or Cali, I give my thanks.

12. My heart melts, swells, sings, giggles, and everything else in between when I think of you. You are my ETERNAL COMPANION, my best friend, my partner in crime, my prince, my EVERYTHING. On this Thanksgiving, I give all my thanks, love, and devotion to you, Robbie Man. I love you.

Why I love my daddio

2009-11-24T23:37:00.001-08:00

********Disclaimer: Don't judge me okay? It has a good beat...(Thats what she said)

We were driving up to the airport, I was in the passenger seat, Robbie in the back and my dad driving. My wonderful husband was going on about some science shenanigans.... I ACCIDENTALLY (maybe or maybe not.) stopped listening and noticed out of the corner of my eye, my dad and I were bobbing our heads in squence, ya know how they do it on Night at the Roxbury, to this song. We made eye contact, giggled, and continued enjoying the one and only Miley.

Robbie kept talking.

P.S. If your name is Liz... Keep your comments to yourself on this one, okay? Thanks.

P.S.S. Im not sure if Miley should be dancing in front of an American Flag? Maybe a little un-American?

Addiction

2009-11-24T20:33:00.000-08:00

I "joined" weight watchers like I said. Has it worked? NO. Why? Because of me. I fear success. So instead I retreat to my fears. I get all pumped to wake up and to start this journey! I am positive every morning that I can succeed. I pray and turn my fears over to God and plead for his. He helps, he's with me, but I give up somehow, somewhere during the day. I feel like I can handle just one cookie, or one tiny milk chocolaty m&m. I give in. The taste of that sugar lingers on my lips and I want more. I dive into the cookie jar, and stuff my face. I eat one roll and NEED more. I have an addiction. And I don't know how to overcome it. My heart is breaking as I right this. How have I become this? Why did I let this happen? They say the first step is admitting. Well I admit it. I am addicted to food, and don't know how to overcome it.

So here's to admitting. Maybe I can do it tomorrow? Who knows.....

Zion

2009-11-21T12:03:00.000-08:00

Today I was driving north bound on I-15 and as I drove across the top of the mountain tears quickly sprang to my eyes. At first I was all, what the? I have done this drive agazillion times. But as soon as my heart and brain connected what it was seeing, I started crying again. As I looked over the valley I saw the Oquirrh Mountain Temple and the Jordan River Temple stand tall and steady straight across from each other, and in that moment, overwhelmed by the beauty of the House's of the Lord, I felt Zion warm my heart.

Want to know something else that warms heart?

The Blind Side

2009-11-19T14:34:00.001-08:00

Oh I could not be more excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! These are my most favorite of all favorite kinds of movies.

I also adore Sandra Bullock. YIPITY SKIPITY

A list vs. Hit List

2009-11-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

I want to start a new segment on here called A LIST vs HIT LIST.

My A LIST includes my favorite things of the moment, or something slash someone who makes my life easier, or basically anything that makes me smile.

My HIT LIST is, well, anything that does not make smile.... Here is my list for this week.

1. My Bed. I feel as though I have not seen much of her lately, but none the less, she is in my thoughts constantly.

2. Christmas! Sweet silver bells! I love this holiday!!! A favorite tradition of mine has become the day after Thanksgiving, I stop wherever I am in my scripture study and read the four gospels so I can focus on the Saviors life, and his teachings. Highly Recommended:)

3. My Mac!! I have this one. This is sad to admit, but I spend more time on it than I do with my husband.... Did I just admit that?

4. Les Miserable. How is it possible to hear the soundtrack a million times, and see the play a dozen and still ball like a baby? The music gets to me. It touches my soul! I love it!

5. Seinfeld on DVD. I got it for Robbie Man for his birthday. Lets just say we could not be happier:) It came with a deck of Seinfeld cards and a salt and pepper shaker shaped like ketchup and mustard! Now that defines awesomeness right there.

1. Snow, Ice, Slush, Cold. These are the reasons why we will never live in Utah once we leave for dental school.

2. Lost Remote Controls. How is it that we live in the 21st century and no one has invented a remote control finder? Ya know like how cordless phones have pagers. Yeah a pager should be standard on every TV.

3. Dental School Interviews. HALLELUJAH they are over! I feel totally blessed that Robbie got so many but, seriously, I am so over sleeping by myself.

4. Losing Weight. Ugg..... nuff said

Well this concludes my list for the present time

Mammograms

2009-11-18T13:59:00.000-08:00

This morning I started my morning as I always do... Take a 30 minute shower (yeah, yeah, I am totally wasting water. But its the only thing that helps me wake up. I feel guilty, obviously not enough to change) then lay on the couch for 20 minutes to wake up even more, and then dash to the bathroom to eventually get ready in like 2.5 minutes... Explains why I look the way I do lately:)

This morning I was watching the The Today show and they were doing a feature story on some new science research done by a task force uping the recommend age to receive a mammogram from 40 to 50.

WHAT?????? Are they nuts??? Breast cancer, I think, is the number 2 most deadliest cancer for women. So with that statistic why would anyone increase the age even if their "scientific evidence" (but I have done my research on their research, and find it sketchy) pointed to that conclusion. I am totally flabbergasted by this. Seriously! If my insurance covered mammograms I would be getting them at 22. But because of stories like these, it gives my insurance more excuses not to cover me the way I deserve. I really think that any women out there who's insurance does cover it, or are in their 40's should seriously ignore this advice. I mean, really, Breast cancer can affect anyone of us.

Sleepless Night

2009-11-12T02:11:00.000-08:00

Hi my name is Jessica. I require 10 hours of sleep a night. Oh no worries. Its only 3:15 AM. I sure I can squeeze that 10 hours in cuz I only have to be to work at 10 AM. GRRRRR

Who would have thought that I, Jessica, would not be able to fall asleep? Well its not my fault. I take no blame in this. Wobbie is gone. He is in Vegas at a Dental Interview. I can't sleep without him. I need him to tickle my back to sleep, and curl and snuggle up next to his warm body. Man! marriage changes things about your life you would never think. So this got me thinking about others things that have changed about me since I sealed the deal and got hitched. I compiled a short list of the things I came up with.

1. T.V. is not important to me anymore... Just The Office.
2. I have learned how to communicate.
3. I have turned into an adventurous soul. Such as: I will try basically any food, Occasionally I will eat leftovers, and I want to live outside the country.
4. I can't go more than 30 seconds without thinking about my man.
5. Formal Schooling has become important to me... Who ever thought that would happen?
6. I am sooooo much more patient. Long way to go, but I am learning.
7. My Love for Robbie never stops growing. It keeps getting deeper and deeper.
8. I take showers more regularly.
9. My favorite kind of movies are independent films or true stories. Verses what it used to be: chick flicks and comedies.
10. The most important thing that has changed in the past 2 and half years, is my testimony, and how much greater and deeper I understand the atonement and my relationship with my Father, and his son, my redeemer and brother Jesus Christ.

Well I am finishing this post at 3:30 AM. I hope I can finally fall asleep.

moral discipline

2009-11-11T22:35:00.000-08:00

I have realized that I enjoy blogging. I feel like it gives me a voice. Whether someone is reading or browsing my pictures or not, it makes me feel empowered. And I like that. I decided to start a blog about my thoughts, opinions, jokes (okay maybe not so much), feelings.. Basically things that make me tic (tic as in tic toc, not your freakin ticking me off I wanna punch in you the face.) like a grand ol' clock. Read or don't read. Its more for me anyways.

Moral discipline is the consistent exercise of agency to choose the right because its right, even when its hard.

-Elder D. Todd Christofferson (quote from his talk given during October 2009 General Conference. Click here to read. Mormon, non mormon, anti mormon, jew, or catholic the first 1/3 of this talk is very thought provoking and helped me with insight to what kind of country I want to live in and what I need to do to instill those values in society. Read it. You won't be dissapointed.)

I have been putting it off for 2 months now. With excuse after excuse. Some of them were pretty legit though. But tonight i am officially fresh out and I know I have to buckle down and do it. Will someone hold my hand? Its hard to be an adult and do things alone. I miss having my mom take me (and pay) to go shopping, or my dad holding my hand as I crossed the street.

To discipline ones self is hard. For a couple reason. 1. It takes you out of your comfort and 2. You are setting yourself up to succeed. But what is the opposite of success? Yeah you guessed it... faliure.

Well I am trying to convince myself that I won't fail. And that I will have the moral discipline to continue on this journey even when it gets hard. I have to do it. I can do it. I need to have courage. I need to be strong.

Tonight I am starting my journey with Weight Watchers. uggg.... mixed feelings... wish me luck.