Christmas Newsletter.

Dear Friends & Family,

It's Christmas! WOW! My mom was right, time does speed up when you get older! I decided to write this letter despite the fact that anyone who would read this probably already knows everything because they probably read my blog, but non-the-less, I started this tradition last year so here goes :)...

I spent the beginning of last year not eating sugar, but that came to a halt one day in April. It seems that sugar isn't everything and didn't affect my diet too much. I also spent A LOT of time at home and at school working on my capstone project for my masters. I'm glad to announce that I finished that project with flying colors and I am now a proud graduate of SUU, weird!


In May I ventured off, as I sometimes do, to a new land, NEW YORK CITY! Boy was that an adventure! It was so much fun to be with good friends and see some pretty amazing sites! I absolutely loved going to Ellis Island, I could have spent a few days there! I was also pretty impressed by the Empire State Building. WICKED, the musical, was fantastic too!

Then in July after my friend Molly and I finished up with our masters classes, we went on a 2 week road trip from Utah to Wisconsin! It was BLAST! We stopped to see friends and family along the way! After I got home, I turned around and got on another plane, this time headed to Disneyland...I know what you're thinking, this girls needs to stop playing and start working! Don't worry, I do feel guilty, but I also have ants in my pants and can't stop, I figure I should follow the advice of nearly every married friend that I have, which is, "live it up now before you have kids!"

In August, I unpacked all my teaching stuff at Taylorsville Elementary, where I now reside as a third grade teacher in Room 16. I am really liking it! Change is always hard but I think the pro's outway the con's with this one. I love having my very own classroom, none of that rotating business of a year around school. Learning the third grade cirriculumn has kept me busy and on my toes. Third grade feels like my nitch, I hope not to change grades anytime soon. I work with a great staff and wonderful students, the parents are the only disappointing factor...

For my fall break, I went with my mom and sister down to Sacramento and San Francisco. We had a great time! Laughing, gettting lost, yelling at the GPS, and meeting up with friends and family was awesome! We're thinking that we should go on yearly roadtrips from now on!

A couple of weeks ago I went to Chicago and hung out with Molly! We went to all the fancy stores, had the famous Chicago Pizza, and went to the top of the SEARS tower...I think I've been to most of the tallest buildings in the world now...I'll have to think about that one.

I took a balloon art making class this year, my students are quite fond of this new skill;)! My piano lessons have been kind of touch and go lately...between the masters and transitioning to a new school they got a little neglected. I learned a little more about myself this year, that's been good and bad, but mostly good, lol. I've learned that I love the temple and I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm excited to celebrate Christ's birth. I love this time year, where I can reflect on the Saviors life and make an extra effort to become more like him. I wish you all the Most Merry Christmas of them all! Thanks for being great influences in my life!

Love,

Tiffany

M. Ed. Master Educator...I am still pinching myself!

Molly, Justin, Me

The 3 Musketeers...we started together and finished together! Molly and Justin are phenomial teachers, I'm so glad that I was able to learn from them and be inspired to become better!

Molly and I became best friends in the midst of this program! Not only did I get a master's degree, I got a best friend out of it! Man what a blast! Sadly she moved to Wisconsin:(. PS, she doesn't love silly poses...I forced her into to this one:).

Molly and Me...the serious pose! Oh and if you look close you can see my shinny red nails...Molly took me to get my nails and toes done for my birthday, thanks Molly, you're awesome!

This is us on our last day working away...actually I'm pretending to work...hehehe! Fooled ya huh!

I keep pinching myself, I just can't believe it...the years just keep flying by. I've decided it's all about enduring and believing even when you think you can't do it anymore or that you're not good enough. Let me tell you, there were some dark nights staying up 'til 4 in the morning for a brief nap...I remember pleading with the Lord to just help me make it through it and to love myself no matter what grade I got:). I also remember thinking getting a Masters was a breeze (hard to believe, huh, even for myself). Those days were very few, they were the days when I had all my readings done, assignments in order and when I felt like I was becoming a master teacher and applying new things in the classroom.

My dad asked me when I was going to get my PhD and I said "NEVER!" I really don't think I will, really. Then I again, I also almost dropped out after my second year of college. My friend Kristy's mom called me and convinced me to stick with it and I'd be grateful, thanks Shirlene!

I believe in being a life-long learner (not necessarily college) but I want to keep taking professional development classes and being the best teacher I can, but also taking fun community classes like art and balloon making, maybe some Spanish classes.

Well there you have it!

"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game!"

"Dreams DO come true, everyday!"

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Written by: Samuel Medley

I know that my redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.

He lives, to bless me with his love.
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed.
He lives to bless in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply.
He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint.
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.

This week has brought so many emotions; feelings I never knew existed...I've taken time to ponder and explore the inner workings of my head and my heart. I've written a billion words this week, trying to portray how I feel inside. I even started writing poems and lyrics echoing the whispers of my soul.

Today at church the words of I Know That My Redeemer Lives brought calmness and assurity to my soul as the tears rolled off my cheeks one by one.

I ache. I have more to learn. I want to be free of my mind.
Each moment that passes, I'm given strength and understanding.
I know that my Redeemer lives! I know that time mends our hearts.

"The Lord loves you today, tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year." --Speaker in Church today:)

General Conference!

This weekend was the 178th Annual General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I love listening to the words of a modern day prophet! To read more about what we believe, you can go to the church website.

As many of you know, President Gordan B. Hinckley passed away a few months ago. President Thomas S. Monson was called as the new prophet. President Monson has a special place in my heart. Over the years his talks have impressed and inspired me. About a year ago he spoke in my singles ward. Something he said really stuck with me and has helped me overcome some obstacles in my life.... That same day he spoke in our ward, Niki and I ran into him in the hallway. He was looking for his wife as he was looking he said "this reminds me of the song "where has my little dog gone?" It was a laugh out loud moment!

A few talks that really touched me...

Something that Elder Rasband said hit home: "Personal experiences test our abilities and give us personal growth...they give us resolve to go forward with faith."

Sister Lant's thoughts on traditions impressed me.... they left me thinking of the traditions in my life... What traditions am I currently living that will be passed on from generation to generation and what traditions do I need to start? Right now, I am building a foundation that will be a legacy to others... She said that our children need to know where we stand.... I agree, we need to teach by example...

Elder Wirthlin's rendition on differences was empowering. I've often thought about all the different types of people I meet everyday...we are all very different! Wirthlin said to have more compassion for people that are different than we are.

David A. Bednar shed light on having meaningful prayer. Bednar reminded us that prayer is work and that we need to pray with the expectation to ACT. We will have the strength to act as we know we should when we do this. He also reminded us not to pray with a wish list. We need to pray with sincerity. Our prayers need to be meaningful and we must ask in faith and ACT. I think it is so easy to get stuck in a rut of prayer. I try to pray with purpose and meaning and to be ready for promptings, but I think so often in my life I get caught up in the little things I am doing that I forget that the Lord is there to help me through it all, he will make up the difference if I am lacking. I realize that living his will is what is most important...I wrote these words in my journal "pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT,pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT." Acting on our prompting and on the promises that we make with the Lord will enrich our relationship with the Savior and will empower us with a shield of protection and knowledge. I know this is something I need to really strive for in my life.

W. Craig Zwick spoke to the teenagers and posed this question, "Are we lowering our standards to fit in?" I think this question applies not only to teenagers but to people of all ages. I speak from experience when I say that the comfort of any relationship can cause us to lower our standards to fit in. I don't think it's easy to stand up for what you believe in all the time. It is something I definitely strive for...I also believe that its imperative to try to understand others view points and to be excepting of differences. But when those viewpoints and differences impact you as an individual, it's time to say something. Zwick tells us that "you might stand alone for a while. You're example will attract friends." He also asks "do we recognize temptation when it's camouflaged?"

This talk gave me a lot to ponder on. I think the friends we have really have an impact on our day to day living. Our friends can either boy us up or pull us down. It's easy to conform to our everyday environment, but I think as we take a stand for what we believe in and we make that extra effort to live in the spirit, we will be blessed and the lives of those around us will be blessed. I have so many more thoughts on this but for sake of those who have actually read this far into this post, I will refrain:).

Well there you have it... a few of my favorite thoughts from conference. When I really sit back and think about what conference is all about I count my blessings and really stand in amazement! We have a prophet who lives today, who speaks the word of the Lord. We know who we are! We know what our purpose on earth is! We know where we are going! We are so lucky!

Easter with the Fam!

(Ryan wanted to carry Beau through the field so he wouldn't get thorns in his feet, haha!)

First off, growing up is hard to do! Easter was great this year, but it was a little strange, every holiday is kind of strange now...all of us kids are growing up, but nothing is really changing except for our age and some of us have matured just a touch...haha. It was also a little weird without Joey!!!!!!!

My dad cooked a ham as usual and as usual it was incredible! YUM! Thanks dad! We had the regular fixins' except for the scalloped potatoes...my mom said they would take too long to make. We also had the traditional jello cheesecake...I'm not gonna a lie, I was EXTREMELY sad that I couldn't partake of the lusciously sweet, creamy whipped sugary goodness! Somehow though that moment went quickly and I was fine...I guess I can live without sweets...

This year my dad had one of his wild hair ideas and decided to start a new tradition of playing whiffle ball! He said that we will play it every year for now on, he is so funny! We all walked over to the park to play. Aaron decided that he was going to be a team captain and he picked my mom and I. Later in the game he said he should have done some better scouting, haha! My dad made the rules. There were two bases. Home plate and first base. To get someone out all you had to do was throw the whiffle ball in front of the person. Three strikes and you're out if your a guy and four strikes your out if you're a girl, sexiest! (I didn't mind though:)) After the wind picked up the guys changed the rules to four strikes for them too! The game was a riot! There wasn't a single fight! We laughed and played, used a little sarcasm, and had a grand 'ol time! I wish we could have got my mom on video! She would run with the bat in her hand and then do a twirl throw backward when she realized she still had it in her hand! I think I'm a lot like my mom in personality...although I have my dad's sarcasm and his mother's "good" looks, thanks, I think....I love my family! They're great! I realized yesterday just how blessed I am to have such an incredible family whose love is immense. I'm thankful for our Savior who sacrificed himself for us all. I'm grateful that each day I can get on my knees and be forgiven and can press forward with faith. I embrace the knowledge of eternal families, it's because of our Savior that this is possible.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

I will miss you...you were an incredible prophet!

I can just imagine Pres. Hinckley's cute little wave as he entered the gates of heaven today. I envision cartwheels and dancing, singing and waltzing about as he greeted his wife. Sadness and joy are the two emotions I'm feeling. I'm sad to see such an amazing man of such wisdom and strength leave us. He was an inspiring prophet who gave so much to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His grin and his high energy empowered me. His book "Stand a Little Taller" has been a daily reminder of his great love of the gospel and has impacted my day to day living. I also feel joy...he no longer has to suffer the pains of the world. He is with his sweet wife and many other great and noble people now:). Goodbye President Hinckley.

the best gift...

Yesterday my entire family gathered around the kitchen table to talk to my brother Joey who is on a mission in Brazil. We used a conference call phone that enabled everyone to hear his voice and all his updates…we were only allowed 45 minutes! All three girls in the fam were so choked up we couldn’t talk at first…that’s when you know he’s missed…Joey told us lots of great missionary experiences. He seems to be fighting some fungus on his leg, dealing with a sore of some sort on his lip, and is sweating profusely due to the extreme heat! He told us that one week his power went out and they had to wash their laundry on a washboard…I guess I shouldn’t complain about doing my laundry…all in all he’s loving it!

I loved talking to him! He’s still the same old Joey, he’s a bit more spiritual, a bit more cleanly, and he’s become quite the cook, but his humor, his laughter, and his zest for doing crazy random things has not changed! Matter of fact, he and his companion made their own Christmas tree! It’s 6 Feet tall and made out of paper, colored green with crayons.