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.