Thanks Elder Ballard...

My dad sent me the following article and I thought I would pass on the message as it pertains to everyone reading....>

We cannot stand on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the Church teaches,” he said.

“While some conversations have audiences in the thousands or even millions, most are much, much smaller. But all conversations have an impact on those who participate in them. Perceptions of the Church are established one conversation at a time.”

Church leaders have publicly expressed concern that while much of the recent extensive news reporting on the Church has been balanced and accurate, some has been trivial, distorted or without context.

Elder Ballard said there were too many conversations going on about the Church for Church representatives to respond to each individually, and that Church leaders “can’t answer every question, satisfy every inquiry and respond to every inaccuracy that exists.”

He said students should consider sharing their views on blogs, responding to online news reports and using the “new media” in other ways.

But he cautioned against arguing with others about their beliefs. “There is no need to become defensive or belligerent,” he said.

Family Traditions

My family is HUGE on traditions. It seems like for every single holiday we have some tradition. Right after New Years, my awesome uncle takes the whole family out for a NICE dinner. This year it was at the famous Plaza III steakhouse in KC. It was a wonderful night with a surprise trip from my older brother Ryan! My uncle flew him out to surprise my mom!


It was a wonderful night....untill my dad had a heart attack. It was SO scary. We spent most of the night at the hospital. I have never been so grateful for my older brother and my wonderful husband - both worthy holders of the priesthood. My dad is okay, but the experience was scary!

Here are some pictures of the night. Pre-heart attack. :)

My mom, Great Grandma and me


My husband is adorable:


Mom sis and me


My parents

A Kansas New Years!

My sweet husband took me to Kansas for New Years! We drove out the Roche semi. Yes folks, a real live semi truck. We brought 75 cows out to Nebraska for Trev's dad, then drove three more hours down to KC to see my family and get our wedding presents/furniture! It was such a fun trip. My parents even surprised me with a PIANO. This is huge for me because I LOVE to play and always grew up w/music. Trevor is currently working on his rendition of Fur Elise! :)

We spent a fun NEw Years at our friends' Adam and Jen Long. As you can see Trevor LOVED staying up till midnight. HA! Honestly, Trevor and I are early to bed, early to rise type people and staying up this late hasn't happened in probably a year. Lame. I know. I'm getting old.

Pure Inspiration.....

My current obsession is anything brocade/damask. I found this website and almost wept for joy....and then shock, when I saw most of the prices. STILL - pure brocadal bliss. http://www.brocadehome.com

OH and FYI, I just got this gorgeous shower curtain at Bed Bath and Beyond. Now if only I could figure out what color towels to go with it....

Big Time Sports in a Little Town

We are staying with my in-laws for most of the holiday break due to the fact Trevor is working with his dad on the ranch. Last night, we were able to go watch Trev's little sister, Kali, play in her varsity basketball game and see his other sister, Kimbra cheer. Kali is an incredible athlete. Everything I ever was NOT! It's fun to see her play! Now, I must comment on Parma's basketball program. I am a graduate of a 5A, huge high school. I always thought our sports there were a big deal. I now realize, nothing compares to the sports programs in small towns such as Parma. It seems like the whole town comes to the games. The stands were more packed for a GIRLS basketball game than I could have ever imagined! It was fun for Trevor to relive the "glory days" of his quite impressive basketball career. We even got to see his Valavictorian (spelling?) plaque on the wall!

The First Week...

I really like....no, LOVE...being married. I'm with my best friend all the time and even get to sleep with him!! (Keep your minds clean!)

Life is perfect.

Trev and I can't move into our new house untill Jan. so for the next week we are taking up residence at Days Inn in Rexburg (then it's home for Christmas). It's actually REALLY fun. Rexburg is the coldest armpit of the world, but we have found ways to occupy our time! The most exciting new obsession is LOST on DVD. We are soooo hooked! Anybody ever watched this show!? It's so fantastic. We seriously stayed up all Thursday night trying to finish on season 1, so we can watch season 2 before Tuesday....the day on which Season 3 starts.

Yes, marriage makes u a nerd.

I'm okay with that.

WE DID IT!!!!

That's right folks, the deal is sealed. I'm the luckiest girl in the world. Everything about the wedding and reception was perfect and I mean down to the last detail. My mom is amazing for executing my vision. Here are the first of many amazing wedding pics. Our photographer is dustin izatt and he is a miracle worker. Go to his website at www.digitalizatt.blogspot.com to see more!!!!