my brother's birthday

it has been YEARS since we're celebrated my brother's birthday as a family.  he is doing so flippin' well that i get getty just thinking about all the progress he's made.  he's still on the road to recovery and will be forever, but he's clean and free of the awful grasp of drugs.  he has been an example of strength to me.

"you are stronger than you realize and more capable than you can imagine" (one of my favorite quotes from president uchtdorf).  i know this is true as my brother is living proof of it.  way to go brother!  i am so proud of you.  thank you for sticking with it.  i love you.

the merriest of christmases

the mister and i didn't exchange gifts this year.  we figured we have plenty so there was really no need.  it was great!  we were able to enjoy the spirit of christmas.

i spoke in our church's sacrament meeting this month about christmas.  i chose to focus my talk on Jesus Christ, who he is and what he has done for us.  i invited my dad, step mom, mom, step dad, sister, nephew, brother and niece to attend the meeting.  my heart almost burst because every single one of them came.  even though not all of my family believe the same thing i do, they are all so willing to support me.  i can't tell you how much it means to me.  being able to speak about my Savior and share my testimony of Him was exactly what i needed this christmas season.  He is my advocate and has helped me these past few years more than i even realized.  i will always be grateful for the opportunity i was given to do that.

indie ogden awards

i won tickets to this year's indie ogden awards!  we would have gone regardless, but what a bonus.  this year was better than last year.  the community was out and ready to say thank you to our little town of ogden.  can't wait for next year!