Changes

Although I don't I don't think that many people read this blog besides those who would already know about the struggles I have been facing in my life right now, I feel the need to make some sort of public statement about the changes which I am experiencing in order to explain the future content of my writings.

To all my dear loved ones and friends,
Some of you may not know of the difficulties Jonathan and I have experienced in our relationship. And, it is with sadness that I tell you now that we have decided it is in both our best interests to separate. This is an extremely difficult and heartbreaking decision as you must understand. And though I am not able to speak openly of the details of our separation, I thank you for all of your continued prayers and silent support. Thank you for being such wonderful friends.

Melissa

Resolutions-February

I find myself in February quicker than I had anticipated. It seems like January flew by in such a blur that I didn't really get the chance to appreciate my goal of being more grateful. So, I'm starting February off earlier. This month I'd like to focus my efforts on HOPE.

In the last year I have come to have a greater understanding and belief in the power of hope. Hope is what leads us to Faith and Charity. Hope leads us to action. Hope is key. Hope is what makes things happen in our lives-it's what shines in our darkest moments. We may have hope in something small or great, but ultimately, I believe that all pure hopes are based in a knowledge that "present circumstances will give way to future blessings." through the Savior Jesus Christ.

Shortly after I had my revelation on Hope, Elder Uchtdorf gave a beautiful sermon on this exact message.

Read it here. I prefer to listen to it, but I couldn't figure out how to link that page.

"That is part of our mortal test. The reason for some of these trials cannot be readily understood except on the basis of faith and hope because there is often a larger purpose which we do not always understand. Peace comes through hope. " James E. Faust

"Hope is trust in God’s promises, faith that if we act now, the desired blessings will be fulfilled in the future. " James E. Faust

It's Time to Make the Doughnuts!!!!

Here's a funny video that Jon and I have been looking for on the internet for a while. Jake originally showed it to us and we thought it was hilarious. Just thought I'd share it with everyone.

Resolutions

In keeping with the tradition of this time of year, I have decided to make some new year's resolutions. Now, typically I set these dutifully every January and forget them every February. However, in an attempt to make myself feel better by actually accomplishing them and since my attention span for goals seems to be about a month, I have decided to take it one month at a time. I will set one goal per month and blog about it (sorry for those who read my blog and don't actually care to know what my personal goals are) so as to keep it on my mind.
This month, my goal is to remember to be Grateful.
Here are five things that I am grateful for:

1. Jon-he is a wonderful husband and my best friend.

2. Temples. I love, love, love going to this holy place. It is the safest place I can think of.

3. My Home-I LOVE coming here at the end of a long day. And I ALWAYS feel better about myself/any worries I have after I've given our floors a good scrubbing. (I sort of feel like my floors are my therapist-anyone else like that?)

4. Flowers-I know this might sound cliche, but I really do LOVE flowers. I just feel happier when I see them/receive them.

5. The Office-need I say more?I know it might make me shallow to put this on my grateful list-but it has given both me and Jon quite a few belly aches from laughing so hard. But actually, what I am grateful for is Laughter.

Happy Birthday Jon Part II!

We had a great turn-out for Jonathan's 25th B-day celebration. There was excellent food (wish I would have gotten a picture of the yummy spinach artichoke dip, hot cheese dip, fruit kabobs, bacon wrapped date appetizers, chicken drumsticks, yummy green spinach salad and pink bubbly punch), fun games, great company. Thank you for helping to make this one of Jon's favorite birthdays ever!-

Friends from the band-Soothsayers rock!

Both friends and family came

Better than you-know-what cake!


Fun presents


the funnest present

and gingerbread house making...all of which we were very creative.

We loved having everyone in our home--it's such a fun feeling to be able to have a place of our own for our friends and family to gather together.

The Soothsayers

About 6 months ago, Jon's old boss asked him to put together a band to perform at her and her husband's joint B-day party in November. He made a few attempts to get together a band, but ultimately had to call it quits because a few of the members had flaked out on him. Then, in September, his boss approached him again pleading with him to try again-she hadn't been able to find anyone. So, Jon made a few calls and got a new group of friends together. They began practicing and soon had a set list of about 20 pretty well polished cover songs, ranging from the Def Tones to Britney Spears' Toxic. They performed on November 8th at the Flamingo hotel in one of their grand ballrooms. It was a really fun party and the Soothsayers were definately the highlight of the evening.

I have to brag for a minute to say that although all the members of the band were experienced musicians and fun to watch, Jon was by FAR the most talented and versitile. He played lead guitar, bass, piano AND sang backup and lead vocals. It was SO fun to see him up on the stage totally in his element. I'm so glad he had this opportunity and hope he'll get to do it again soon. Thanks to all who came to support-it was a blast to be there with everyone!

My Talented Husband...

OK--its taken me forever to post this entry b/c I can't figure out how to add his song, but read on and hopefully one of our more computer saavy family members will take pitty on me and help me figure out how to do this...

Last month was our 2nd Anniversary--and Jon gave me a really great gift that I was not expecting.

Jon and I decided last year that we would switch off years planning something fun for our anniversary. This year it was Jon's turn. Things have been a little tight for us lately, so I asked him a few days in advance if he was planning on spending any money-to which he said, "not much". So, I took this to mean that I should prepare something inexpensive and sentimental for him. I made him a cd of songs that remind me of him. I relate my emotions a lot to the music I listen to and I often find myself repeating certain phrases from songs over and over again because I think they are SO us or SO Jon and I love them. So, on my card to him with the cd, I had written all the key phrases that stick out to me and remind me of him in those songs. It's not the most creative gift, but I did it with love. Well, come to find out, my gift was NOTHING compared to his sweet, thoughtful, time-consuming, and talented gift.


He picked me up from work and made me close my eyes all the way home. When we got there, he brought me up to our courtyard and had me open my eyes-he had put white Christmas lights on our house and had a song playing that we just heard and loved on the Twilight soundtrack (I know we're geeks). We danced there in the courtyard to this really romantic song. I just loved this gift. I'm HUGE on surprises-I love them. So, when I saw that he surprised me by putting up Christmas lights and dancing with me to that song, I was really touched. When the song ended, he asked me if I liked it--I said, "YES! I love the lights and that song from Twilight, and dancing-you know how much that means to me!" he said, "but, you really liked the song?" I said, "yeah, I love that song." he said, "you know I did that right?" shocked. what??


He had learned all three guitar parts, vocals and drums and asked his friend to record and mix him playing/singing it. That was HIM that we had been dancing to! I was shocked and touched all over again. It sounded awesome. I started bawling. I've always known Jon was talented in many ways and been proud of him for that. But, it's just so neat to have a great recording of him and be able to listen to it over and over again.

Jon, thank you for being such a wonderfully thoughtful best friend and husband. You always go above and beyond to help me feel loved and appreciated. You give the greatest surprises and presents. I don't know what I'd do without you. Thanks again.

To everybody else--have a listen to his rendition of Iron and Wine's "Flightless Bird, American Mouth"...