So the last time Sandi and I got together, things got a little bit crazy.  Then again they always did when we were younger too(e.g.-trying to see how fast her Dad’s new Corvette went when we were 16, wandering around who knows where at 3 in the morning when we were 17…yeah…so…I won’t even touch 18…).  Regardless, we grew up to be mostly normal adults and we try to keep an annual girls’ vacation.  This year we’re going to Hawaii for a week in November.  Things to Do:  Buy a new swimsuit, get a better tan than last year(I never actually got one last year) and make sure I am ready to wear the new suit when the time comes.  I guess that means the running with have to continue.

So our most recently visit to Disneyland found our kids back at the Jedi Training Academy for a second go around as Padowon.  Hudson was really hoping for an encounter with Darth Vader, but I think he was sent to Darth Maul since he was one of the oldest kids.  I told him only the bravest get Darth Maul since he has a face only a mother could love.  I think that seemed to help.  Nonetheless, he fought furiously and was victorious.

Annie also put up a mean fight with her light sabor.  Taking on Darth Vader like a pro, she didn’t miss a beat.

She even got to use the force on the Storm Troopers.  I couldn’t help cheering.  She was so excited!

So my baby brother Brian made it to Portugual a few weeks ago with a brief stop in Paris.  Ironically enough, he landed in Paris on my wedding anniversary.  Wait?!  Shouldn’t I be there with Will?  Anyway, I’m so excited that he is so pumped for his mission.  He seems so happy and focused, which I absolutely love!  I know the 2 years will fly by!

Since we couldn’t got to China, we couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate the Chinese New Year than Disneyland.  Annie and Hudson got to twirl ribbons in the streets to celebrate with these charming ladies.

Surprise, surprise Disneyland was completely empty…again.  We walked onto the the Toy Story Mania ride, which has never happened…twice!

You may notice that Will is one happy camper!

Needless to say, this helped make Will one happy camper.

It’s not uncommon to see me rebel when it comes to setting goals at the New Year.  I don’t like setting goals for the sake of setting goals.  I see it as wasteful and I’m convinced that most New Year’s goals fail because of the haste in which they are conceived.  Intentions and hearts are true, but reality is what it is and unfortunately, a lot of putts just don’t drop.  Regardless, the holidays did manage to chew me up and spit me out a bit this year so I welcomed the boxing day.  All of the ornaments back in their 11 month hibernations and all the trimmings safely tucked away for another December were met with a sigh of relief.  In the quiet days that followed, I finally felt like making A goal.

4 Weeks Previous on an Icy Roady in Denver…

While discussing missionary work with my brother, I had a very clear thought.  It was more of a question really.  Why am I here?  I can answer that question with a myriad of answers.  I am here to get a body.   I am here because I’m thirsty and I wanted some orange juice.  I can’t honestly remember why I’m here, I think I needed something from the pantry(man does this all too common moment make me feel decades older than I am)…I’m here to take and pass a test.  I’m here so I can live with my Father again someday.  

Naturally, I cannot ask myself one of the Big 3 questions and not hear the other 2 bouncing around in my head waiting to be answered.  Why am I here?  Where am I going?  How am I going to get there?  It was at this point, my goal began to take form.  I want to ask myself as many fundamental questions as I can about the gospel this year and keep them in a journal…a conversion journal if you will.  I’m hoping these missionary questions will guide me in my scripture study.  I’m assuming some will be answered in a day or less of study and others could have page after page of references and thoughts.  I kept a journal last year when I was studying scriptures and it made the world of difference.  So off I go…