a holiday classic

My dad came across the best selling book, The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall and loved it. Tonight we sat down as a family to watch the movie (made off the book). I loved it so I thought I'd share it with you...

Summary-

Jason Stevens is living life without any responsibility when his wealthy grandfather dies, this trust fund baby is hoping for a big inheritance but instead his grandfather has devised a crash course on life with twelve tasks or "gifts" designed to challenge Jason. It's his journey of self-discovery and forces him to determine what is most important in life: money or happiness.

The Twelve gifts include- the gift of work, problems, friends, giving, gratitude, family, learning, money, laughter, a day, dreams, and love.

This is a very inspiring movie with a lot of valuable lessons. So if you are looking for a thought provoking movie to watch I recommend watching or reading, The Ultimate Gift.

interesting advertising...

Nielson's was recently introduced to me and I can't believe I lived life without knowing about this little piece of heaven!!  The sign is a little disturbing.  What does that mean anyway?!! Besides the awkward sign, the lemon custard was top notch and is now a favorite treat.    

Just backin' it up at Backer's Pastry Shop. Change the a to an e and we have Becker's (my dad's nickname for yours truly). Maybe they'll hire me...

Miriam and her cute-self.  Needless to say, we had lots of sweets that weekend!

A December Celebration

Last weekend my cousin Ashley and her husband Adam were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.  It was a really neat experience to be gathered together for this special event.  I'm always amazed at how the Temple quickly puts life into perspective.  I feel renewed and a little bit better each time I go.  

Afterwards we grabbed a bite to eat and enjoyed each other's company. Love you guys!!

part II

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

FUN-AY!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Happy 1st Birthday Drew!

My cute little nephew, Drew turned 1 on Saturday. My sister and her husband were in NC checking out the MBA program at Wake Forrest, so they celebrated Drew's birthday with my Mom and Gerald (Gran-Nan and Grandpa Gerry "GaGa"). 

They bought Drew this cute little puppy dog cake and before they could get through the happy birthday song, Drew grabbed the cake and had at it. Apparently he did the same thing with the ice cream... this boy doesn't waste any time. 

We have all loved having Drew around. He is such a happy baby full of giggles and smiles. I can't get enough of his chubby cheeks. Happy Birthday Drew!

Everybody Else

Last weekend Mir and I were taken to a little concert in SL. This isn't typically the music I listen to, BUT I was pleasantly surprised and fell in love with these catchy tunes. We enjoyed it so much that we purchased a couple cds. So this is what's been playing in my ipod these days... 

Craig and Ariana

    

Last week I was asked to participate in the Mr. 64th Ward Pageant. I was not a contestant, obviously since I'm female. And yes, I'm glad I am no longer in this ward. For some reason it's easier to make a complete fool of yourself in front of strangers or in front of people you don't see too often unless you are family or a close friend BUT I have to be pretty comfortable with you for such moments. Continuing on...

The competition was much like a Miss USA pageant. Serious business. Categories included... formal wear, personal interview, talent, and of course swimsuit (a personal favorite).  Craig and I (Ariana) did a couple of cheers from the chess tournament skit as seen on SNL. Just in case you were wondering... I was the Spartan in Craig's tepee! It's me, It's me!  A little out of my comfort zone, but SO MUCH FUN! Thanks for thinking of me Craig! 

Traditions

        I thought I'd share my new favorite tradition.  A few years ago Marti and Brandon (cousin & her hubs) started a little tradition called, "Cousin Dinners".  Since so many of the cousins were now in Utah (going to the Y) they started inviting them over on the first Sunday of every month. Apparently they didn't miss 1 the whole first year.  After missions, babies and 2 marriages... Cousin Dinner is back and in full swing (this is my first year (so exciting!)).

        So we gather at the Johnsen Residence in beautiful Draper on the first Sunday of every month.  Cousin dinner is so great that I drive down from Logan to attend.  You kind of have to be an insider to know the ends and outs but to give you a little idea of what goes on we have crazy good food, games, musical numbers, gossip and the kind of laughter that brings tears and ab pains for the whole rest of the week!  

  (We are missing 2 of the regulars in the pics.) 

Our family doesn't really do the whole "silly face" photos.  We tried.

Gracie and Brynleigh are the two beauties in my lap.

I am so lucky to have such great family in my life.  I'm grateful for the rich traditions that enhance and strengthen my family.  I look forward to the day I have my own family to carry on traditions of my childhood, add traditions and create new traditions with my dear*.

*not yet determined

up and coming rap stars

So my girlfriend Jill and her hubby Jon made a little announcement. I think you should all hear it...  

Jon and Jill's Rap

Congratulations Facers!

Mission Reunion

Some fun pictures I thought I'd post.

Awkward...

Yes! and I totally LOVE it.

Elders and Sisters can hug after the mission... weird!

p.s I look really tall next to them...

they would be so cute...

Ahhh-mazing people!

what she said...

A few days ago my sister, Elly shared her thoughts about the election of our new President.  I couldn't agree more and couldn't say it any better so I've posted it below.  I think more now than ever before we need to support and pray for this man and for the nation in which we have been so blessed to live!  I too am hopeful!  And give thanks for the Lord's hand in this special place we call the USofA!

I Am Hopeful!

History has been made this week. I feel proud to have voted in such a monumental election.  Politics isn't normally of great interest to me, but this year was different. It had to be.  With all of our struggles as a nation, at home and abroad, I am glad that so many Americans stepped up to the plate and exercised their right to vote. 

  This has been an eventful week in our nation's history.  Our, new President, Barack Obama has been elected. As he steps into the presidency, he carries a heavy weight on his shoulders.  The world is looking to him to solve a myriad of problems plaguing our nation and the world at large. 

I am hopeful that he will improve our situation. And I am grateful for John McCain's speech following the results of the election.  He graciously urged us to support our newly elected President.  I am hopeful that the change we see will be for the better of the American people.  I am hopeful that the future will be bright, especially for our little ones. 

I can't help but think of President Gordon B. Hinckley's words,

"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. i say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us,...if we put our trust in Him, if we pray to Him, if we live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers."  He always spoke of Hope, accentuating the positive and being grateful even through this "old time rail journey" life.

love the locals

Last night I saw Ryan Shupe & the Rubberbands in concert. So good. Bluegrass is the name of their game. These guys are very entertaining and amazingly talented. They play a variety of different instruments, infact so many that the stage was brimming. Some of you might know of them and some of you might be like me and not recognize the name or even the faces but I think you may have heard this.  Great job guys... I will definitely come see you again!

i love almost everything orange.

My little sister, Janie expressed her true feelings about my blog!  Apparently it's picture-less and my posts are too long.  She looks at my blog but doesn't read my posts hmmm... I asked her if she read.  I even offered to teach her... (insert smile here) so...

 this post is dedicated to you love muffin!   

me and the roomies.

my boo.

it was late...

did you just lick my ear?! (in disgust(some of you will get this!))

If you look closely there are bobby pins holding up parts of my pumpkin.  I've always been taught to be industrious! 

bonding.

Happy Halloween!