Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!

Beofre starting the movie, please pause the music above.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Meanings of Christmas

I got this from Krysta's page and Loved it! Thought I would share!

Late one Christmas Eve I sank into my easy chair. Admiring the tree with its decorations, I couldn't help but feel that something was missing... The kids were in bed, the gifts were all wrapped, the milk and cookies were in their place for Santa. It wasn't long before the tiny twinkling tree lights lulled me into a deep sleep.I don't know how long I slept, but all of a sudden I opened my eyes and there stood Santa Claus himself next to my Christmas tree.He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot just as the poem described him. But he was not the "jolly old elf" of Christmas legend. The man who stood before me looked sad and disappointed with tears in his eyes.I had to ask, "Santa, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" "It's the children," Santa replied sadly. "But the children love you," I said. "Oh, I know they love me and the gifts I bring them," Santa said. "But the children of today seem to have somehow missed out on the true spirit of Christmas. It's not their fault. It's just that the adults, many of them not having been taught themselves, have forgotten to teach the children.""Teach them what?" I asked. Santa's kind old face became soft, more gentle. His eyes began to shine with something more than tears. He spoke softly. "Teach the children the true meaning of Christmas. Teach them that the part of Christmas we can see, hear and touch is much more than meets the eye. Teach them the symbolism behind the customs and traditions of Christmas we now observe. Teach them what it is they truly represent."Santa reached into his bag and pulled out a tiny Christmas tree and set it on the fireplace mantle. "Teach them about the Christmas tree. Green is the second color of Christmas. The stately evergreen with its unchanging color represents the hope of eternal life in Jesus. Its needles point heavenward as a reminder that man's thoughts should turn heavenward as well."Santa reached into his bag again and pulled out a shiny star and placed it at the top of the small tree. "The star was the heavenly sign of promise. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of that promise of the night that Jesus Christ was born. Teach the children that God always fulfills His promises and that the wise will still seek Him.""Red," said Santa, "is the first color of Christmas." He pulled forth a red ornament for the tiny tree. "Red is deep, intense, vivid. It is the color of the life giving blood that flows through our veins. It is the symbol of God's greatest gift. Teach the children that Christ gave His life and shed his blood for them that they might have eternal life. When they see the color red it should remind them of that most wonderful gift."Santa found a bell in his pack and placed it on the tree. "Just as lost sheep are guided to safety by the sound of the bell, it continues to ring today for all to be guided to the fold. Teach the children to follow the true Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep."Santa placed a candle on the mantle and lit it. The soft glow from its one tiny flame brightened the room. "The glow of the candle represents how man can show his thanks for the gift of God's Son that Christmas Eve long ago. Teach the children to follow in Christ's footsteps... to go about doing good. Teach them to let their lights shine before men that all may see it and glorify God. This is what is symbolized when the twinkling lights shine on the tree like hundreds of bright, shining candles, each of them representing one of God's precious children, their light shining for all to see."Again, Santa reached into his bag and this time he brought forth a tiny red and white striped candy cane. As he hung it on the tree, he spoke softly, "The candy cane is a stick of hard, white candy. White to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Jesus. The shape 'J' to represent the precious name of Jesus who came to earth as our Savior. It also represents the crook of the Good Shepherd which he uses to reach down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like sheep, have gone astray. The original candy cane had three small red stripes which are the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed, and a large red stripe that represents the shed blood of Jesus so that we can have eternal life. Teach these things to the children."Santa brought out a beautiful wreath made of fresh fragrant greenery and tied with a bright red bow. "The bow reminds us of the bond of perfection which is love. The wreath embodies all the good things about Christmas for those with eyes to see and hearts to understand. It contains the colors of red and green and the heaven turned needles of the evergreen. The bow tells the story of good will towards all and its color reminds us of Christ's sacrifice. Even the wreath's very shape is symbolic, representing eternity and the eternal nature of Christ's love. It is a circle without beginning and without end. These are the things you must teach the children.""But where does that leave you Santa?" I asked. The tears gone now from his eyes, a smile broke over Santa's face. "Why, bless you, my dear," he laughed. "I, too, am only a symbol. I represent the spirit of family fun and the joy of giving and receiving. If the children are taught these other things, there is no danger that I'll ever be forgotten.""I think I'm beginning to understand at last," I replied. That's why I came," said Santa. "If you don't teach the children these things, then who will?"Author Unknown

Monday, December 15, 2008

Taiwan's Christmas Nativity




This last weekend, the 14th and 15th, we had the 8th annual nativity put on by the English Ward here in Taipei. Okay, so this is a huge thing here because there really isn't much Christmas here. So, we had 4 showings of it, 2 each day with the seats filled and people standing all around watching. It was at the Tienmu sports park. It was a lot of fun. I have never been able to be a part of it before but Michael had as a missionary. He loved it.





This year, the bishop put me in charge of it as the Director, I thought this was silly seeings how I have NEVER even seen a movie of the past years of it, but oh well. I guess he figured it was in my background anyways, with the planning and all. Anyways, It ended up being such a great experience for me and a little bit of a test of my self confidence. I have to admit, even though I normally do not EVER ask for help with anything when I need it, I would have died if I would not have ask the bishop's wife to help me out. She is the most amazing women ever. If you saw her in action you would totally understand. She managed to help me to understand how things worked and to do her part in everything all at once. (Someday I will be like that too! I hope!)





It was such a great experience to be apart of something so special and to remind people of the true reason for the Celebration. It is too easy to to get caught up in the commercial side of the holiday that we forget why we celebrate it in the first place. It is sad that now in the states people are now saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas!" The Stores are not allowed to have things like this in there store. They are taking Christ out of the Holiday that is ment for him. So, hopefully, as we all Celebrate we will remember the true reason for the season and take a moment to share it with our family and friends, to read the story about our Saviors birth on Christmas day, that we will remember to say "Happy Birthday Jesus!"





Here are a few of the pictures!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Learn something new about someone

Saw this and thought it was kinda fun!Copy the list and highlight the ones (mine are Pink) that are true about you!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21.Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
8. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (very soon)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Talked your way out of a ticket

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Crazy Eights


Crazy Eights
8 Shows I Love

1. CSI Miami

2. CSI Las Vegas

3. Loius and Clark (not showing anymore but I own the tapes)

4. Desperate housewives

6. America's next top model

7. Dancing with the stars

8. Eli Stone


8 Thing I Did Today

1. Sunday- went to church

2. Cooked apple Cinnamon pancakes

3. Got people to sign up for the nativity play

4. Cooked a roast for Philly cheese steak sandwiches

5. make cookies

6. Made Frosting

7.Cleaned house

8.Played with my dog


8 Things I look Forward to:

1. being home in the states again (I love Taiwan though)

2. Owning our home someday soon

3. having a baby!!!

4. Thanksgiving

5. Christmas Hot pot dinner

6. the money we will make with the teaching jobs I have

7. Moving out of our studio apartment

8. Taking my grandma and mom to taiwan someday!


8 Favorite Resturants

1. Hot pots places (taiwan)

2. dennys

3. In and Out

4. Pizza Hut

5. the mexican place we go to for birthdays with the vatchers. (I am having a blank memory)

6. DiCicco's

7. Bobby Salazar's

8. anything really


8 Things On My Wish List

1. To be able to stay home and raise our babies

2. Our home in fresno

3. A second car

4. Pay off our cars

5. More sleep

6. an oven

7. for a heathy family

8. to win the pageant!


8 People I tag

1. Cody

2. Ashley

3. Ashley Tracy

4. Chantel

5. kathy

6.Courtney

7. Ashley Ortega

8. Charise

Monday, November 17, 2008

WOW!!!

"Proposition 8 is now a part of the California constitution! That is probably the best news from an otherwise difficult election for conservatives and Republicans. In very large part, we Evangelicals must thank our Mormon cousins for that fact. They, along with our Catholic brethren, were better organized than us and that provided a base from which we could ALL work together to get this job done. What more, as we have chronicled here, Mormons took the brunt of the abuse, derision, and even threats of physical harm that came with this effort.And like us, they have given thanks to the Almighty that is ultimately in control, even if their understanding of that Almighty is a bit different than ours.I cannot help but wonder how much more thankful we ALL might be today if we had been more willing to embrace these religious cousins a few months ago - but alas, politics is always about governing today and looking forward to the next election.Said John Mark Reynolds:In the battle for the family, however, traditional Christians have no better friends than the Mormon faithful. It would be wrong if that support were taken for granted. We are intolerant of the false attacks on Mormon faith and family. We stand with our Mormon friends in their right to express their views on the public square. We celebrate the areas, such as family values, where we agree.A heart felt thank you may not win points from other friends who demand one hundred percent agreement from their allies, but it is the decent and proper thing to do. Thank you to our Mormon friends and allies! Hard to do better than that.The “Ruth Youth” ministry proclaimed yesterday “International Mormon Appreciation Day.” Very appropriate, yet still inadequate.In addition to our thanks, Mormons deserve our protection. They have been oppressed in ways during the Prop 8 campaign that this nation has not seen since the 1960’s and the civil rights movement. The rhetoric has been deplorable, but moreover. we have seen instances of vandalism, property destruction, and some leaders in the fight currently find themselves with armed protection because of the threats made against them and their families.Our nation will not and cannot tolerate this sort of behavior - it is incumbent on all of us to stand against it, and the best way to do that is to stand between the Mormons and the forces that would perpetrate such evil.Now I am sure the Mormons can, and probably want, to take care of themselves, but as a Christian, it is my duty to protect the innocent and free the oppressed. To turn a blind eye in this circumstance is not only ungracious, it is simply unChristian.Make all the theological distinctions you want, but in the political arena we are yoked with the Mormons (he said borrowing some religious imagery) and it is darn well time we started acting like it.Absolutely, positively thank the Mormons - but don’t stop there. Stand up and be counted against the evil that has been perpetrated towards them in this campaign. As Christians we can do no less.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

How to make the dog sweater with a sock!

I made this sweater set and posted the result in my last blog! Here is how you make it! It is so simple. I did mine in less then 5 min. I wish I could sew it nicer, so ify ou have a sewing machine to mend the edges.




Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Homemade doggy clothes with bennie


Okay, So, I learned how to make these really cute turtle necks and bennies! They are super easy to make and look adorable on dogs.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Making Paper Field Trip with Michael's School



Well, today we got up way early and went with Michael's class and had a field trip to the paper Museum. I know, I know, I know, It really doesn't sound that great at all. I really wasn't looking forward to it, but went anyways to get out of the house. When we got there it was great! Paper lanterns, books, a paper designed dress and shoes, and Chairs. All kinds of things.




My new hair cut (ONLY $3). Do you like?








We are getting really to put our hands in and mix the mixture up.




All the paper stuck to Michael's hairy arms! LOL!


He was the only one had a problem with this.







Almost done!

And we are finished and it just has to be ironed!!!!! All and all it was really fun! I recommend doing this at home! I will post the directions tomorrow when I am not so tired!


Wednesday, November 5, 2008

More Halloween Pictures!

My pirate costume!

The mission president and his wife passing out candy!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Friday, October 31, 2008

Halloween 2008 Taipei Taiwan

Okay so, Halloween....Wow I can not begin to discribe how weird it is to not see it everywhere. To not see kids coming out of school in their costumes. To only see a costume when you get to the Church Halloween party, even then it is only the English ward. Talk about a whole new life.
This year, with the new faces we have come to know, we had a Halloween Party with lots of fun games, face painting , donut eating, and lots of popcorn. Followed we have a fun little Trunk or Treat. For those of you not accustom to this frase, it is where we decorate the trunks of our cars, vans, or trucks, and pass out candy to the trick or treaters from our trunks instead of the normal house hold doorway.
Well by the looks on all the Childrens faces and probably all of the Adult faces too, it was a complete success. The kids all went home with a surgar high and a bag full of candy. So below are just a few of the pictures I took while there. Hope you enjoy!




Okay, well only 2 pictures because it won't let me do anymore right now!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Way too much time on my Hands...



I am: a wife to a loving husband.
I think: about our future together and what it has in store for us.
I have: been blessed in my marriage with lots of love.
I dislike: when people our negative about lives. It can only bring more negativity.
I miss: my family on both sides in the states
I fear: for those lost.
I feel: gratitute for all my Heavenly father has blessed me with.
I hear: Chris Botti in the background, and the sound of taiwan out my window.
I smell: Stinky tufu
I crave: Mexican food.
I cry: I feel as if I have hurt my husband with my PMS moods.
I usually: Work a lots so this nine months is very slow for me not working.
I search: the world for all the good it has to offer me and my family.
I wonder: what our babies will be like when we have them.
I regret: nothing.
I wish: the best for my husband in his schooling and career
I love: my husband and family with all my heart.
I care: about a lot of things
I always: want to do the best i can
I worry: about my mom and grandma a lot.
I am not: a negative person
I remember: my wedding day and the blessings of our Temple Marriage
I believe: anything is possible as long as you believe it is.
I sing: with my husband in the Taiwan MRT ststion while we wait for the next train.
I don't always: make my bed in the morning
I write: love notes to my husband.
I win: always.
I lose: when I give up.
I listen: to music all the time!!!!!!!!!!
I don't understand: people who are negative about their lives.
I can usually be found: at home or window shopping.
I need: be more attentive to my duties as a house wife andspend less time on this.
I forget: to be greatfull sometimes.
I am happy: when I am surrounded by family and friends!
I tag: any one who wants to do this.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Cutest kids ever!

So Michael and I are helping the church out by teaching English to a class every Monday and Thursday. They are just the cutest kids ever.



Monday, October 20, 2008

I found a new Twilight trailer!





I am completely looking forward to seeing the movie!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Update

Okay so after having a complete melt down first month, I am now at the part of this adventure that I am really enjoying myself. I met some nice people at church, and even though no one talks to me at all, and Iam the baby of all the girls there, they are really nice. (Well, the Chinese ward at least.) I have had a lot of fun going to the night markets. Tonight we went to the Shilin night market were we bought foxy. We didn't bring here cause she is not allowed to go out yet until next month. But when we past by the place we got here, the lady that sold her to us stopped us and wanted to see her, but we didn't have her. So she gave us her email to email her pictures of her. We found out that Foxy was their little baby and that their son LOVED Foxy. They miss her so much and want us to bring her by to see her some time.

So, while we are at the market we found Foxy's Halloween costume, even thought it is a little big on her, it is still VERY CUTE on her. She is a bumble bee.






Okay, well, Michael and I have decided that when we get back to the states that we are totally ready to have a baby. We are hoping for a boy first. Michael told me he really really wanted a mickey mouse nursery, I thought it was completely not possible, but after a lot of research I found 3 different wall papers that we put together to get what you see in the picture ( you have to love power point and photoshop). I found some Mickey mouse pictures that we want to hang in the room (just like it is in the picture) and decided we are going to have to make the bedding unless I find one that goes with our black and white Mickey theme, with accents of red. So, Mom Vatcher, Mom Power, and I will have so much fun making those together. Let me know what you think. If I should add or take out or change anything.

So, so being in taiwan has made me really appriecate the simple things in the States. Like Bath tubs! I miss my Baths. I have NEVER EVER had to shower without even a shower to shower in! Here is a picture of what I am talking about! Crazy Huh? Yeah, so, other then that! I have been getting along just fine. I have to learn how to cook all over again. I don't have a stove and almost everything I know how to cook is done in the oven or my crock pot or pan folding skillet! Wish Michael Luck! :)

Sunday, October 12, 2008

tutor

Okay so I have 3 super cute kids I tutor Mon-Fri for 1 hour a day. Their names are Samuel, Job, and nephi (not pictured), the girl is Rebbecca. They are so good. They love playing with Foxy and Foxy loves them. She will be so good with our children when we have them.

Another Zhang Kai Shek Memorial Picture!


Fun Halloween activity

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays other then Christmas. It is a time to dress up and have fun with your family and friends. To let your kids have one night out of the year that they go hog wild on candy. We don't have kids yet, but we will in the next couple of years. We are definitely planning on all the different fun activities we can do as a family.
So, My husband and I are trying this this year. I think it is the perfect way to let some one know you are thinking about that along with spred the Holiday spirit! Let me know if you try it and how it goes!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Zhang Kai Shek Memorial

The Phone Booths are just so Cute!!!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Taiwan Shoes!!!!!!

I love Taiwans shoes! They have the cutest shoes ever! My Husband just got these for me tonight. (I thought of you Ashley when We got them!)

Twilight Saga

I have never been one to read a book, EVER! But I thought I would get Twilight jsut to have something to read while I was here seeings how I have heard so many great thing about it. So, I did, and LOVED IT. I finished it in 1.5 days. and had my mother in law send me the rest of them which I finished before the week was up. These books were amazing. I loved them. My heart has never beat so hard while reading a book before. The action, the Love, everything about it was great. I love the love story the most of course. Now if we can just get every guy to read this and have them see the way Edward was ;) ;) He makes every girl want an Edward. I have mine of course thought. :) I recommend these books to everyone.

Taiwan.

First and only time to be able to go to church with all the Typhoons.


Looks Yummy Huh? LOL
Everyone uses bikes around here.

Okay, her are a few pictures. Most of them are on Myspace. We are both doing very well. I just hope I get to start meeting people. It has been 2 weeks since I have talked to anyone other then my husband and it sucks. I don't do very well away from other people. So cross you fingure church doesn't get cancelled this week!!!

Friday, September 19, 2008

New addition to our Family...

Okay, so I have been asking for a tiny puppy for such a long time. Michael and I finally found little puppy that is the cutest thing ever. We just couldn't resist this face. So, here she is...Foxy. the newest addition to our Family!!!!


Monday, September 8, 2008

Our New Home In Taiwan!


Our Kitchen!

The Whole Thing!

We have a cute little loft area to sleep!


And this is our view from our apartment. (Free Rent!!!!)

Okay so Taiwan, First impression, Humid as heck. My in laws were not kidding when they said I was always going to be wet (yucky). Worst feeling in the world. My time is a little bit off right now, seeing how it is 2 in the morning right now and I am wide awake!!! Not Good! Other then the heat! It is great!

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Serving Lunch at Elms Garden.





We decided it was a great Sunday afternoon activity to serve lunch at the retirement home. We met so many great Women and Men.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Childrens Hospital appearance,


This was such a sweet girl with a rare disease. She was such a happy girl. It was a pleasure to meet her. I also met so many cute children and teenagers. The teenagers even taught me to play 7 up. Thanks guys, it was so much fun!
All of those kids I met today were so wonderful. They had their families right beside them and were in such high spirits. I look up to all of them for this wonderful trait that they have.




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