Merry Christmas

I read this article in this month's issue of the Ensign and I loved it so much I wanted to share.

The Gift
by Joan M. Olenycz

"One of my favorite Christmas carols is “For unto Us a Child Is Born” from Handel’s Messiah. It is a reminder of what Christmas is all about. I often wonder what Mary felt when she was told by the angel Gabriel, “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women” (Luke 1:28).

Mary was troubled by this, and the angel continued:

“Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

“And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:30–33).

What a wondrous experience this must have been! Mary’s promised son was to be Heavenly Father’s Only Begotten Son in the flesh. She had been chosen to bring into the world the greatest gift of all: our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father gave this gift to all of us, young or old, rich or poor. We did not have to search the shops for it. It did not cost us a single penny. It did not come wrapped in shiny wrapping paper. The most treasured gift of all was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. It was sent to all of us with love from our Heavenly Father."

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope we can all remember the greatest gift we have all been given--Jesus Christ.

Love you all.

Cal Poly Pomona Campus

During my last week of school I took some pictures of Cal Poly's campus.

Partly so I could remember how beautiful it is.

And partly to compare what it looked like now when I go back in 20 years to visit.

Cal Poly is known for their majors in agriculture and architecture, which are portrayed very well in the campus. 

The campus is so beautiful during the fall season.

You can kind of tell where I am on campus in some of these pictures relative to the CLA building (the pointy triangle building).

I loved driving the roads into campus. The long stretch of trees and the horse fields are so unique and beautiful.

Here are the buildings I spent most of my time either looking at or learning in: 

(from left to right, top to bottom)

Bronco Student Center, Library, the College of Business Administration building, the original Kellogg horse stables, the CLA building and the library again.

One of my favorite places to walk through every day from the parking lot to my classes was the Japanese garden. It provided beautiful scenery for the 30 seconds I spent walking through it.

Another one of my favorite places to walk through was the rose garden.

Watch out for the bees though!

While I didn't see this pond everyday it was one of my favorites. Any time you go you will always see ducks and turtles. One time while I was sitting I counted over 50 turtles around the pond! 

Don't know why but it makes me happy. 

(I took this pic with my phone while sitting here one day. This reminds me of Dr. Seuss' "Yertle the Turtle.")

Other beautiful scenery and plants around campus.

Here is the new College of Business Administration buildings that are being built right now. I wanted to document how far along it was when I finished school. Its supposed to be pretty fancy and will be done in 2012. 

Thanks for taking the tour!

I love this.

Last Saturday I came home to this beautiful sunset. I couldn't help but snap a few pictures. 

So amazing.

EY Christmas Party

December 3rd was Ernst & Young's Christmas Party. This year it was at the Ritz in Dana Point. 

The food was delicious and it was fun to party it up with fellow EY friends!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend was a lot of fun! We enjoyed the weekend with my family and Jono's parents.

Wednesday

Went to Disneyland with my sister, Connor and the Smiths (Christine, Matt and Braden).

Thursday

We ate Thanksgiving Dinner.

The Buffet Line.

The people.

Walked around RSM Lake to burn off dinner.

Played football.

Loved the scenery.

Dressed up the kiddos in their Christmas pjs.

Friday

Ate lunch with my family and saw Harry Potter in the theater.

Went to the Spectrum and ate dinner at Dave and Busters

Had an early Graduation Party with my family and the Castletons.

(So my sister and brother-in-law could help celebrate before they move to Utah)

Saturday

Watched movies in the morning.

Went to see Santa at the mall while the boys watched the BYU game.
The kiddos weren't very fond of Santa.

Thanksgiving never disappoints. 

We have much to be thankful for and we loved that got to spend the weekend with people we love.

Last Day of School

Today is my last day of school, and I could not be more excited. Although its bitter/sweet really. This past week it really hit me that I will officially be a college graduate and I will no longer be going to school. I am closing this chapter of my life and starting another. To be honest, I'm a little apprehensive, just because I don't know what's next. 

It seems like just yesterday I started my college education at BYU the summer of 2006 with my best friend and roommate, Christina. Summer semester was amazing--full of steak nights, parties with friends, and other girly things. 

Then I met Jono fall semester and we started dating. Our studies got put aside while we enjoyed fun date nights and getting to know each other. We got married and went back to BYU for one more year so Jono could finish his masters and I prepared to transfer to a CA school. 

Over two years ago I transferred to Cal Poly Pomona. At first I was a little shocked as a result from transferring from BYU. But looking back now, it turned out ok. I've had some really great teachers, actually chose a major that I like, learned a lot, and made some friends along the way. 

So what did I do on my last day of school ever?

All of my favorite things around campus. 

• Sat in my favorite area in the library and watched my tv shows
• Sold my last book back for some cash
• Walked around the bookstore and looked at all the stuff I wanted to buy, but didn't
• Ate lunch at Panda Express
• Walked around and visited all my favorite spots on campus
• Sat in Starbucks to study (the smell of coffee with Norah singing in the backgroung is delightful)

Now back to studying for my last final ever starting in 50 minutes. 

Carver Family Pictures

A couple weeks ago my family got together to take family pictures at the RSM Lake. 

Jill Facer did an amazing job and we all love how they turned out!

Stop It!

Jono just informed me another friend-couple is moving.

This is the 3rd couple that's moving out of state. 

And they are all moving at the end of the year. 

Anyone else who is thinking of moving away needs to STOP! 

Stop it now.

Everyone knows that making friends when you're married is difficult. 

It's like dating all over again, only more complicated.

Because not only do you have to like the girl but your husband has to like the guy.

Everyone has to enjoy each other's company and contribute something to the relationship.

While this post may sound angry, its just because we love you all and we don't want to see you go.

We've made great friends. I don't want to make new friends. 

I'll just keep the old ones, thanks. 

Bottom Line:

We think our friends are pretty great.

So I guess this post is going out to all our friend-couples who are moving.
(Even if you're family, you are still friends)
We love you.

And even though we are already planning trips to come visit you, 

we are sad you are leaving.

Disneyland Pass

I finally got a Disneyland pass at the end of September (I just got the cheapest Monday-Friday pass) and I've gone a couple times already. My sister Claire and I just went last Thursday to go on all the big-kid rides we can't go on when we have the babies with us. In 2 hours we hit Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones, Soarin' Over California, and California Screamin'. The longest line was not longer than 15 minutes and the weather was perfect. I'm looking forward to many more days like this at Disneyland! Anyone else have a pass and wanna go??

Pumpkin City

In the beginning of October my mom, sisters, the babies and I went to Pumpkin City by Laguna Hills Mall after General Conference on Saturday. It was filled with pumpkins, pony rides, and the petting zoo. And then after we went to dinner at El Torito. Here are some pictures.

Connor's Birthday

On Saturday, October 23, my nephew Connor turned 1!

I went with my sister a couple weeks earlier to take Connor's 1 year portraits. We were having a hard time getting him to smile. After a bottle, some snacks, jumping around and playing peek-a-boo we finally got this gap-toothed delight. I love it. Maybe I'm a little partial because I had the same gap when I was a kid. Makes me smile every time I look at it.

On Connor's Birthday Jono and I drove up to El Segundo and met everyone at a nearby park. We played for about 40 minutes and then walked back to my sister's apartment where we had dinner, watched the Phillies/Giants game, ate cake and opened presents. It was a fun dinosaur themed birthday party and it was fun to see friends and family there to help Connor celebrate.

He was hesitant at first, but after tasting it he dove right in.

Best picture.

Opening presents

Reading the card Jono and I got for him.
Thanks Brad for making it look like the greatest card a kid could ever receive :)

And of course the new toys got broke in by the attending guests.

I've been bit.

By the crafting bug.

And it came just in time for Halloween.

Stay tuned for the finished projects...

Oh. 

And I just picked this baby up. $60 from Craig's List.

Can't wait to try her out.

Anyone want to teach me how to sew??

Sigh.

This is my life right now. 

Shall we play I Spy?

1. Mine and Jono's Halloween costumes 2 years back

2. For Rent banners that need putting away

3. Hand vac that was a wedding gift but never worked

This is our second bedroom in our apartment. 

Last week Jono and I decided it would be a good idea to pull everything out of the closet and go through it all. We'll call it our fall cleaning.

And the rest of my apartment doesn't look much better.

Between work, school, church, babysitting, and Jono-time the cleanliness of my apartment has gone downhill. I feel so bad every time I look around and make mental notes of what needs to be done. 

Jono sure is a trooper.

I feel like I'm running around nonstop.

There are so many things I need to do and even a longer list of things I want to do...arts and crafts wise.

I literally look down at my toes twice a day and think to myself I should really get around to re-painting my toes...but I just don't have the time. 

So there you have it. That's life. 

Now back to work.

Snip Snip

If you have not seen me in the last week...I cut my hair!!

10 inches to be donated to Locks of Love.

People have been asking me if it was hard to cut it all off.

My answer is no. 

For some reason I like it long in the summer and short in the winter.

Maybe because I like wearing jackets and sweatshirts in the winter and its harder to deal with long hair.

Or maybe its because after a while I itch for change in my life.

I started this cut and re-grow process my freshman year in college and have done it almost every year since. 

I love the long and short and I like to experience both.

My hair feels so fresh and healthy now. I love it!

Big shout out to my wonderful hairdresser, my sister Claire.

She is having awesome specials right now and I have some $40 off coupons to give out. 

If you're interested let me know or email her at clairedoeshair@gmail.com.

iPod touch for sale!

We are selling a 8 GB iPod touch 3rd Generation for $195.00. 

Brand new, never been opened. 

Comes with earphones and USB cable. 

Let me know if you or someone you know is interested! Thanks!

Fall 2010

I just wanted to share some things that have been going on. I realized that I often just post activities we do rather than the day to day events and happenings.

First off, school started. I am taking 4 classes and have to take a test to pass off a political science class I got partial credit for from BYU. I am excited to say this will be my last quarter at Cal Poly and I will graduate in December! It is a little weird to me to think back to my acceptance to BYU and transferring after two years. I always thought I would graduate from BYU, but I know the Lord always surprises us with the unexpected but needful. After I'm done I'll continue to manage the apartments and watch my nephew Connor until I feel there should be a change.

Jono started his 3rd year at Ernst and Young. He is now a Senior which means he will take the leader role in performing audits. Although this means he'll be working harder and longer, I am excited for him and I know he'll do a great job!

We got home from our two week trip to Hawaii about a week ago. It was amazing! When we first got there 2 weeks seemed like forever. It did go by quick but we have lots of new memories to keep us going until our next adventure. I will be posting more on the trip later.

As I mentioned before I have been managing apartments where we live in Orange. I have learned a lot and the job has stretched and molded me in a lot of ways. It has definitely been more taxing emotionally and physically than I ever thought it would. But we feel very blessed to have gotten this opportunity and its giving me the hands-on experience that compliments what I am learning in the classroom.

Saturday Jono and I bought and picked up our first washer and dryer! (Thank you Craigslist.) Hopefully now I will be more motivated to do laundry since we won't have to share the washer and dryer with 3 other units and we don't have to shell out $2.50 for every load. Wish me luck.

We are loving our ward. I really could not ask for greater people. We have felt so welcome since the first Sunday we were there and have met great people. The ward is a little older in age, but they are still young at heart. Jono received a calling as the Stake Young Men's Secretary and he's been doing that for about a month and likes it. Fortunately it doesn't take up too much time, so far only Sunday meetings.

I have to say I am quite excited for General Conference this weekend. I love sitting on the couch in comfortable clothes hearing what the speakers felt impressed to talk about to the entire church. About a year ago we started a new tradition. After every conference we get the Ensign in the mail and order an extra so we each have one and before the next conference we try to have all the talks read. It's a good primer for the upcoming conference and I love being able to read the talks since things can be missed when you are just listening. I went to the Relief Society general broadcast Saturday night and loved it. All the talks were good but I especially love President Monson's talk. During the beginning of his talk I couldn't help but think that while he is a prophet of God, he is also a man. He has his own struggles, concerns and limitations. He has experienced a lot throughout his life and he is a "man of memories." I gained a greater appreciation for who he is and for his service in the church.

And lastly, what is up with this weather? We barely had a summer and then BAM! I am ready to say goodbye to the 115 degree weather and hello to pants and warm coats for the winter. I always love the turn of the seasons, even if it is California seasons :)

Well thats all for now! I hope everyone is doing well! I love reading all of your blogs and staying updated with all your life events. Thanks for reading!

3rd St Promenade

Last Saturday Jono and I drove up to the 3rd St Promenade in Santa Monica. My sister, Danielle, and her son, Connor, met us there and we walked up and down looking in shops and watching the street performers. We got to the mall at the end of the street and bought some snacks at Wetzels Pretzels.

Danielle and Connor

This guy was pretty funny and talented.

For a dollar I got to shake the monkeys hand.

How could I pass that up?

On our way back to our cars we passed a group of people so we stopped to see what was going on. It was a group of people discussing religion...well arguing rather, over the concept of there being one God. A crowd quickly gathered to listen to what was being said. We heard many different religion's beliefs over the matter as well as scientific data. We were listening to only a small group of people. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be surrounded by it and unsure of who was right and wrong.

While I was listening my thoughts turned to Joseph Smith.

I thought about the passage in Joseph Smith History and I tried to think what it would have been like to live during that time.

"Indeed, the whole district of country seemed affected by it, and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying, "Lo, here!" and others, "Lo, there!" Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist."

"....For a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued--priest contending against priest, and convert against convert; so that all their good feelings one for another, if they ever had any, were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest about opinions."

"During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness...but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong."

"In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?"--JSH 1: 5-10

After reading James 1:5 Joseph prayed and God and Jesus Christ appeared to him. He received his answer that none of the churches were true and that he had a great work to do.

How grateful I am to be a beneficiary of the blessings of the restored gospel on the earth. I am grateful Joseph Smith had the faith to pray and the courage to act.

I am glad I have the gospel in my life and that I know it is true.

Cheers to Three.

Yesterday Jono and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary! Has it really been 3 years? 

Seems like yesterday I was sealed to him in the temple.

Most of our day was filled with work and school. Jono made reservations to eat at Agora in Irvine, where we exchanged cards and love notes.

The food was absolutely delicious! It's similar to Tucanos for those of you who are familiar with Utah. 

After dinner we came home and watched two episodes of a show we are currently watching on Netflix, Veronica Mars. 

It was a simple day but  special to us. He's my best friend.
I love this man.

The 16th Floor

Last week Jono had to work in San Diego and I got to go down and spend a couple nights there. It was a good break from school and jobs. Jono ended up getting upgraded to a room on the 16th floor at the Hyatt.

Oooohhhhhhhh. The 16th floor!

Not just anyone can go up there. It's a restricted floor so you have to insert your room key and then push the button in the elevator...Anyway, it made us feel special and we left as happy customers.

When Jono got off work Wednesday night he picked me up and we drove to Del Mar for dinner. We parked and walked down the street to find a restaurant but we didn't like anything we saw so we went to a market and bought a sandwich, soup, fruit and some drinks and then walked down to the beach to enjoy our dinner together.

I love spontaneity.