2nd Installment

The second installment to my Christmas is somewhat sad, and while I don't seem to have the right words to write about it, I really wanted to blog it because it has has such an impact on me.

A few days after Christmas, I got a call from my sister telling me that our Dad had a heart attack. I felt so scared and I was so sad that I wasn't right there to hold his hand and to hug my mom. While I couldn't be right there, I was so lucky to have Seth and the Johnsons around me to care, and it was so good to be able to talk with all of my sisters, my mom, and a few close friends on the phone. And, I was blessed to have the Comfort of the Holy Ghost to bring peace to my heart and calm my fears through that time.

Dad was in the hospital in Iowa City for almost a week, and then they let him go back home to Nauvoo with my mom. I knew dad was going to be okay when he told me that everything happens for a reason; aparently the Cable TV in Nauvoo doesn't carry the station that was broadcasting the Rose Bowl, so because Dad was in the Hospital, he got to watch the big game :) What a great example you've set for us Dad, to find the silver lining in every situation!

I'm so grateful for a Dad, who when faced with trial, finds the blessings, and is refined in the process. This is just another example of his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. We need him here to remind us, show us, and teach us, and we were blessed with just that.

1st Installment Christmas 2006

Click here to see the Webalbum!

Lookie Here I have a Webalbum! I didn't know which pictures to choose so I decided to show you all of them! (All 98, for the hardcore fans of Jane's life, hee hee)

So this is the first of three installments of my Christmas 2006. Far too much happened to keep it all in one blog!

So in Short, Seth and I flew out on the 21st (and BARELY made our flight thanks to kind American Airlines Skycap Team Members) and then flew on a little plane from St. Louis to Quincy, IL, where Mom and Dad picked us up. After a lovely little meal at Panera in Quincy we drove back to Nauvoo and had a FUN and pleasant stay with the familia. My favorite things there were staying up late talking to Mom, going to the store and seeing all the new highlights with Dad, Playing Racko and The Game of Knowledge with the parents, Having Heather and Her family Join us, going to Rendevous (Willingly, because we have to! that's my favorite song! haha), Going to Alan's Piano Concert and Singing Really REALLY loud to all the Christmas Carols, having a great christmas eve pageant with the family, and waking up on Christmas morning with everyone to open presents. I loved watching the Kids play with their stocking stuffers and being so excited over the little things.

Then, Off to Phoenix! We made it (our luggage also did, eventually)! Stay tuned for the next installment of Christmas 2006!

Haircut!

My hair has gotten so long lately that I decided I better go in and get a trim so it can keep growing, and lo and behold, look what happened!!!

Hee Hee. I actually really DID get my hair cut yesterday, and then afterward Seth and I were Christmas Shopping in the mall and got roped in by the Kiosk Lady in charge of bringing Big Utah Mormon hair to the rest of the world. So This is my real hair coupled with hair extension clips. She gave me long hair first, and then gave me a little ponytail updo (medium length). It's kind of fun to pretend to have long hair again, but also reminds me that I'm better off with short hair!

Ho Ho Ho!

Merry Christmas!

Last night Seth and I went to the S.A.N.T.A.'s party!! Because Brad had shared his christmas spirit and given us Santa hats, we decided to spread the joy and wear them to the party!

Blog #3

I just started my newest blog for work! It's strangely VERY similar to the other one....

http://cualaw.typepad.com/financialaid/

Enjoy!

Ward Turkeys Dinner!

We had so much fun at the ward Turkeys Dinner! Not only was the food amazing, but the company was fantastic! My co-worker Sean AKA #2, Seth's friend Janelle and her family, and Remi all came to the dinner with us. Janelle's nieces stole the show for us, they were hilarious! It felt like a real ward christmas party, having kids around to play with. At one point we had 6 people out in the hallway being instructed by Deonna how to "Shake it like we mean it!" in her self-made Step routine. What a fun night to remember!

Blogging Adventures at Work

I recently have been working on a blogging project for my boss to open a Catholic University of America Law School Admissions Blog. It's been quite the process, but we went live today! http://cualaw.typepad.com/

Next task: Financial Aid Blog.

Ghost Tours in Alexandria

This is something I've been looking forward to doing since I moved out here, but never took the time to actually do! Kayleen and Marc, some of our married friends, finally helped motivate us to come with them for Ghost tour of Old Town Alexandria. Night Tours of Old Town are offered Year-Round, but during Halloween season, they offer Ghost Tours, which provide historical background and insight into the colonial American world, with the added bonus of ghost tales from the colonialites. What fun!

A few interesting facts. The term "put your best foot forward" refers to men in colonial days who wore short pants so they could show off their calves. Apparently when they met a nice lady, they'd put their best calf forward for her to see, as it was a distinguishing characteristic back in the day. Don't worry, I checked out Seth's calves afterward, as this was something I've neglected to scrutinize, and he does indeed have a fine calf muscle. phew! Also, back in the day one had to pay fire insurance if they wanted the firemen to put their house out in case of emergency, Confederate soldiers used tombstones as canon barriers and wind shields for fires (how rude!), and men who were "players" were hung in the public square with all their mistresses standing by (what lewd vindication!)

My favorite part of the tour was actually a break when they told us about the art of "fans" and "flirting". Man, to live in colonial days one had to be keenly aware of non-verbal signals from a mere fan. Apparently fans weren't meant to cool one's face back on those days, but rather provide a myriad of either flirtatious or "stay away from me, you creep!" signals. My personal favorites were the signs for "you're now dismissed," "I'm bored, can you please pick up the conversation a little bit?" "So sad my papa dismissed you, but it's not safe to talk to you here, so please meet me in the Garden at 10" ALL THAT from a fan! Colonial 1st ward members, perhaps it would be in our best interest to invest in a few of these!

Johnsons in DC!

So a few weeks ago (3rd week in October!) the Johnsons came to visit! It was so fun to have them in town, and we got to do lots of fun stuff! I'll give a rundown of the photo's that will give just a "snapshot" of the trip!

1. The Johnsons got into town just as seth was getting out of class, so we met them at the hotel shortly after their arrival! We went to Chili's and had a fun night becoming aclimated to DC.

2. This is David busting out his drum skills for everyone to see at the SW jazz church. He impressed everyone, including the drummer. People clapped and cheered, he was a bit hit!

3. We spent some time at Seth's apartment figuring out picasa and just relaxing! I was really excited because we got to see some of the pictures from Gina and Curt's trip to europe!

4. One of the highlights of the trip was a tour of the Capital! Belle gave us a great tour, and it was fun to see different aspects of the capital!

5. We got to take the family to Old Town Alexandria for dinner and a walk around the dock. This is one of Seth and my favorite places (we've had some dates there...), and it was fun to show the fam around!

6. Outside the capital, there's this random lovely little atrium and fountain that we had fun taking pictures by! Aren't the Johnsons just a handsome (and beautiful) bunch!

7. Here's me and Sethy by the Capital. Gina is such a great photographer!

8. Speaking of photographers, here's one hot chic who's got talent, just like her mom! Emmy is one of the most photogenic people I know, and she has a great eye when taking pictures. Since seeing all her pictures of DC, i've made it my sole purpose in life to encourage her to go into photography. :) Aside from her great photography skills, Emmy is just an all round fashionable and fun girl. She got to stay at my house on Friday and Saturday, and we got lots of girl talk time in. Love this girl!

9. Here's a picture of Gina and David in front of one of the many great quotes/statues in DC. Gina is so fun and so easy to be with, and truly marks a passionate, dedicated, and lovable woman! That cute kid beside her is a riot too, he can make anyone smile!

So this is only a glimpse of the many fun things we did! The Johnsons know how to make everything fun and adventurous, thanks so much for coming out!!!

Dear Blog Readers,

I'm so sorry I've been behind on the blog lately. I didn't think it mattered that much but aparently some faithful readers have noticed! There are lots of fun and good things to catch up on though, so they're on their way right now!