December is almost over...

I can't believe that we all survived Thanksgiving and now Christmas. This December has flown by incredibly fast. It is amazing to me how time flies-in a blink of an eye, yet another year has come and gone. I do need to provide everyone a bit more information on our holidays, so enjoy this (hopefully not) long-winded speech about how we survived.

Thanksgiving: We loaded up the family and drove all the way up to Idaho for Thanksgiving this year. Michael, Nathan's younger brother, had just returned home from his mission to Russia. It was great to see him-still the same Michael, just a bit older. He gave an excellent homecoming talk about the people there in Russia. From what he's told us, it seems that those were the best two years of his life. He loved the people, the country, the culture...everything. It's great to have him home. Well, going on. Thanksgiving was great. Just before we had headed out Nathan and I got some interesting news about a new addition to our family. I am not talking about the dog either. WE'RE PREGNANT again with another Jones something. I won't lie-it's probably a girl (again). We're trying not to get our hopes up, but we'll gladly take whatever comes our way. We already have the three most beautiful girls in the whole world already so what's one more right. As of right now, December 27th, we are 12 weeks along. We'll be able to know for certain in about 6-8 more weeks (which at this point seems like an incredibly long time).

Anyway-Thanksgiving was great. All the 9 Jones kids were together once again. The boys spent most of the time either playing with their wide arrangement of computer/technology gadgets or playing with some other sort of techno device like the Wii or the XBox 360 (video games). The girls tried our best to help out in the kitchen and keep the kids from destroying the house (or going nuts). I was surprised how many people could fit into Lynne's house...very impressive. We took a couple trips to Idaho Falls for some holiday shopping and even made time to enjoy a movie or two. I was certainly colder there than down here in Phoenix. When we left our house, it was like 75 degrees still, so the chill of the Idaho weather was a bit much for this Phoenix girl.

Once we had arrived back in Phoenix, we all had to get back into the swing of things. Like getting Ashlynn back to school, bedtime routines, and house cleaning routines as well. Of course, even that usually takes a week. But no worries, like I said, WE SURVIVED. I turned 27 years old on December 2nd. Nathan, the girls, and I went out to eat at the Olive Garden. It was wonderful. Then after that celebration of me getting another year older, we tried to get ourselves prepared for the Christmas holiday. We put up our tree and even lights on the outside of our house (which was the first time since we've been married). We even were able to give our puppy away as an extra bonus for me (since I apparently am not a DOG person-loved the dog, but knowing I was having another little baby in the house, I didn't want the additional stress that another "child"/pet brings). We gave Ollie to a young family who actually was going to purchase Ollie even before we did, but whatever-they got her in the end. I bet she's loving her new home, even though at night I do sort of miss how she would snuggle with me on the couch after the girls went to bed.

Goodness, I've missed so much. On December 21st, Nathan and I celebrated our 8-year anniversary. Funny enough, it was a Sunday and about mid-afternoon we both realized that it was our anniversary. Ashlynn had asked me what day it was, and it didn't even really click with me (or Nathan) that it was indeed our anniversary. We had celebrated it a week early since it fell on a Sunday this year...we had Richard and Jena come over and they watched the kids while Nathan and I finished our Christmas shoppping. We had a wonderful date night eating at the Cheesecake Factory. It was delicious. We went all out-I got a steak and Nathan got fish...and to top it off, CHEESECAKE for desert. Wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary...babysitter, excellent food, and being with the person you love the most.

Well, for Christmas this year, Lynne and the boys came down from Idaho to celebrate it with us. There was a ton of people in our house like 15 altogether I think. It was crazy, but fun nonetheless. The girls were so excited with what Santa had brought them...scooters. Mom and Dad (Nana and Papa) had spoiled us with a GPS system...it was amazing. I of course am terrible with technology so Nathan has been playing with it since Christmas. We all got spoiled with everything this year...and it's funny. After it's all over, you seems to forget (so easily) the gifts you were given. You just start to enjoy the memories of the season both past and present.

All in all, I am just so surprised how quickly these past two months have gone by. We'll be issuing in the new year come Wednesday evening...Wow, 2009. Where is the time going? Well to all of you who are far away (or even down the street), we want to wish you a Happy Holiday season and may you all keep the spirit of Christmas in your hearts the year round. Love you all and miss you more that I can say. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Latest projects for JG Company...

I think I have finally narrowed down my business names down to two: JG Company or CinderBee Jones. Of course, JG stands for Jones Girls. Among the collections, soon to come, each daughter will have their own special category. That'll be pretty fun. I'll have to take a vote on which name is best...so help me out.

Anyways here are some fabric and patterns that I am planning on making. Let me know what you think.

It's another girl...our dog, that is!

This past Thursday we acquired a 3-month-old puppy. She's a mini-pin/chihuahua mix. We decided to give her a new name-OLIVE, but we call her Ollie for short. She's a very playful little pup. She loves the girls and loves being outside. I don't think that the girls have been outside this much since, well, ever. All the girls are out digging in the dirt and just enjoying the cool weather (by cool, I mean about 70-75 degrees). Although these pictures don't even come close to how cute she really is, they're about as good as it's going to get...Ollie's like Speed Racer (so Ashlynn says). She's wicked fast and fun fun fun! She fits right in! So without further ado, here is the latest addition to the house of Jones Girls!

Family Photos...

My friend, Bridgette Balmes, took our family pictures this past Friday. It was so much fun-well, not so much as fun, but more like chaotic-type of fun. The girls wouldn't really stand still or one would be looking someplace else or one was running away. All in all I think we did a pretty good job; actually thanks to Bridgette-she did a fabulous job. And this is the only picture we've been able to see thus far. Hope you enjoy a preview of some family photos probably coming your way as a Christmas card.

Just a side note-I think it's pretty funny how we're set up here. Ashlynn is being Ashlynn: posing right in the front. Ellyce is hanging on my leg. Jillian is loving on her Daddy. Nate looks as handsome as ever-even though he thinks otherwise. And me, I'm trying not to look like I'm trying to keep them all together. By the way did you happen to nice the Phoenix Suns color scheme going on (minus the orange)? Nice call-GO SUNS!

Happy Election Day!

Can you see their "I voted" stickers? They were my big voting helpers today. Happy Voting!

Today was the big day for voting. I dropped Ashlynn off at school then took Ellyce and Jillian with me to VOTE! I was expecting some seriously long lines and of course, some very reluctant children of mine...However, I got right in, got my ballot, voted, turned it in, and didn't have to try and find where my kids were. They stood right beside me while I made my voice heard. I was so proud and honored. We all got our special stickers too-which of course, was the ultimate highlight of their trip to the polls.

I want them to know, even though they may not quite understand any of what went on today, that I am so very grateful and priviledged to have the right to vote for the president of our country, to make my own voice heard out of the millions voting today. I hope someday they will take pride in the fact that they are blessed to be able to vote for who is in charge of this great nation. Hope you all have voted (and if not, hurry up)-Happy Election Day to all!

So much for keeping up with the Jones'...

I can't even keep up with my own blog. I've been what really feels like EXTREMELY busy for the past two weeks. My friend Kara started a new business where she does vinyl lettering on well, just about anything. I thought it would be a fun adventure to help her out on so I thought I could contribute by making some little Snuggly blankets so we could put together some gift packages for people to purchase. These packages would contain a snuggly blanket, the baby's name on either blocks or a plaque, bows or binky holders, Tinkle targets, and pee pee tee pees with whatever else we could think of.

So we have been working like non-stop all this past week to get ready for today's first "show". Today was Founder's Day in Maricopa. Kara reserved us a booth space about a month ago, but we of course procrastinated until just last week to get enough things together. We had both figured that today's showing would probably not bring either of us any profit, but we thought oh well, it would get our name out there. So back to our crazy week. I think that I was over at Kara's at least 4 out of the five days this past week just trying to make sure we had enough "material" to show the people at Founder's day. We made some extra holdiay things for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and even Christmas. So we figured we were pretty set.

Well, today was our first show. The set up went well enough other than the wind was insane...quite aggrivating to say the least. But we were able to get our tables filled with stuff for people to see and hopefully buy. Well, once people started moving on in, we figured we'd get some serious interest right away. We had a ton of people take our business cards, but no one was quite willing to customize their orders for vinyl sayings. Until like mid-afternoon, nothing. Then finally someone ordered their family's name on these 4x4 blocks. So cute. Then she also ordered her unborn son's name on the blocks too as a separate order. We were so excited. She gave us a deposit-so to speak on the blocks so we told her we'd get them to her within a week. She was so excited. So were we!

A little while later another lady had come by and ordered something to replace another little something she had broken. It was a shadow box that held a little bottle of Jack Daniels Whiskey and the saying on the glass front read-"In case of an emergency, break the glass". Well funny enough she didn't have an actual emergency, the box simply fell off the shelf where it was kept and the glass broke. She wanted us to recreate this little thing for her, so Kara is going to have to go into town this week to try and find a smaller shadow box to complete this ladies order.

I realized that no one was really interested in the little snuggly blankets. I want to keep a few of them to put them into the baskets for other shows but I think that I am going to try to turn my attention to making purses, small clutch like purses, handbags, and those types of things. I think that those are the ticket to making actual money for the hard work we've been doing. Our next show is October 25th. It is an actual craft fair so people are going to be looking for something to buy. I think that even if they don't buy what we have there they will certainly make orders for customized products. Hope that turns out better than this did...although I am quite sure that anything after the windy day we had today, will be like a ray of sunshine!

The Day Before the BIG Day

It has finally arrived. Ashlynn is heading off to kindergarten tomorrow. Bright and early at 8 AM. Although she is only going to be gone for 3 hours, I know it's going to feel like 3 days. I set out her first day outfit already so that we're ready to go in the morning. I have my alarm clock set for 6:03 AM just to ensure we're up and at 'em. I want to make her a nice hot breakfast of French Toast and some fruit (something good and hearty) so she won't be starving by 9 o'clock. Wow-I think I'm actually ready. Ready? I don't think we're ever ready for our children to grow up. I have come to the realization that no matter how ready our kids are, we as parents are not that ready for them to move on. I know that it's just kindergarten (and half-day kindergarten at that) but still. It's the start, the foundation, of her future. I guess deep down in my heart I am hoping that all that I have honestly tried to teach her will shine through while she is out of my care. I understand fully what it must have felt like for my mother when each of us kids left for school the first time. I am quite certain that I am going to feel the exact same way with each of my girls as I am feeling now with only my first, my sweet little Ashlynn. I am excited and believe it or not...READY!

One more...

Here is our little sassy girl, Ellyce, being silly. She loves to put the towel on her head like I do after she's done with her bath...I swear she doesn't get this spunky attitude from me. I mean of course I would never act like that! Ha...whatever!

Picture of the girls...

Too cute to pass up...here's our girls being GIRLS! Ashlynn, Ellyce, and Jillian taking a break from jumping on the trampoline to snap a quick photo. Ashlynn, Ellyce, and Jillian after their bath. And Ashlynn and Ellyce making their usual "silly goose" faces.

Same ol' same ol'...

How is it that my day seems completely filled with stuff to do but it never gets done? Oh, I know why...Ashlynn, Ellyce, and Jillian. Nothing new to report but did want you all to know I was still here surviving the lovely 105 degree weather. At least it's a break from being 115...ahhh. I have been busy trying to find time to read the newest Stephenie Meyer book, Breaking Dawn. My friend, Kara Martin and I decided to go to the midnight book release party at Barnes and Noble Friday night (August 2nd) which was pretty fun. Timothy and I went to the Harry Potter midnight book release party when that came out (that was even crazier than this one). Teenagers were all dressed up in their prom dresses-felt like deja vu' for a little bit. Oh to be young again! No thanks.

I am not really working at the dance studio although I've already subbed for two classes already (how is it that they still get me to come in and teach). I actually get to teach the aerobics class on Monday mornings which is fun. It's more of a dance aerobics. We do a ballet type of warm up and some abdominal combinations then a dance type of cardio for the end of class. I've only taught it once-I've really got to learn how to keep things flowing more smoothly. It is quite different teaching adults rather than kids-not the change of pace, but more like the change in attitude. Kids complain a lot more with what you're teaching them and adults just do what you ask them to do-no questions asked (no complaints either unless the workout is tiring, then we get a few moans and groans-a good thing).

It is weird not teaching so much at the studio. Instead of teaching, I am taking the aerobics classes in the mornings. Mondays I teach. Wednesdays we have weight class with a lot of cardio (an excellent workout). On Friday we have ball class which is amazing also. Overall the week is just fantastic. I feel like I'm still getting myself in shape minus the dancing. I do wish I could get back to teaching, but I figure I need this time to be with my family and concentrate on them. It is hard when you are a people pleaser like me to have to tell other people no for once. I want more than anything to be a firm foundation for my family-be a good wife, a good mother, a good overall example for my children. I understand that comes with time, and I figure I've got 24 usable hours in my day, even though it tends to feel like "Same ol' same ol'"!

The Strangest Feeling...

Things seemed to be going fine then the strangest feeling came over me one day...actually it was Friday (August 1st) while I was writing in my last journal entry. I guess it didn't really occur to me to make mention of it since I was on the topic of something else. But as I was sitting there at the computer typing out my inner thoughts with Jillian on my lap, and Ashlynn and Ellyce playing in the background, I got the strongest (and strangest) feeling like someone was missing. I honestly (no joke) took a look around and counted each one of my children. My heart was pounding; I almost felt sick, like I'd left one of my girls somewhere. But there they all were: 1-2-3 little girls.

I sat there for a moment just looking blankly at my children. Who were we missing? I thought maybe Nathan was hurt, or someone in my family was sick...I couldn't put my finger on why this thought had so powerfully consumed me. Then it clicked. Light bulb. What if we weren't done having children yet? What if "Jack" or "baby girl #4" was still waiting to come to earth to our family? Then I quickly threw that idea to the wayside recalling mine and my husband's words: "we're done having kids".

La ti da...the feeling was gone or so I thought. Saturday was like any other day-Nathan went to work for a few hours while the girls and I cleaned house. I figured after we cleaned up we'd head out somewhere so the girls cleaned up their rooms and put their toys away while I actually managed to clean all three bathrooms, vacuum the house, finish some laundry, start some laundry, and take a shower before 10:30 AM. (Jaw dropping moment). So when Nathan came home we headed to the grocery store for some much needed shopping (we were pretty much living off of peanut butter and honey sandwiches) and some enjoyable family time. After we headed home, Nathan headed off for a boys night out (dinner and a manly movie). The girls and I were planning a fun filled evening ourselves consisting of watching the BARBIE DIARIES movie, playing dress up, and painting our fingernails/toenails. So I popped in the movie, made some delicious popcorn, and sat down to have some "girl" time when WHAM! the same feeling came back to me. Once again I looked at my girls: 1-2-3 little girls. I just couldn't shake this sensation that I had misplaced someone...crazy.

Today was tiresome but enjoyable once we headed to church. Nathan had to play the organ for sacrament meeting-which is so nice to be able to hear him play (he is so amazing). While he was playing the prelude hymns, Ashlynn's friend, Sydney, from primary class came over to color with us for a bit before the meeting started (a normal occurrence). I looked at the four girls on the bench and just admired how sweet they were being (and how reverent too). Then once the meeting started, and Sydney went back to sit with her family, that strange feeling came over me. Except this time, I felt it in my heart. It was just saying SOMEONE IS MISSING. I cannot give an answer as to why this feeling keeps coming to me, but in order for me to truly understand what needs to be done I know that I must put all of my faith in my Savior. He knows what my family needs-I know He will answer this burning question that continues to dwell within my heart. Who are we missing?

Little Swinging princesses...

Here is a little video clip of Ellyce and Jillian on the swings at Pecana Park in Maricopa. There are some adorable photos on our family website of our little swinging princesses to see also...just wanted to add some clips on my own site-you know, add some variety. The girls just love to swing, but this time (for some reason)they weren't enjoying the camera very much. Just thought it was so cute how they completely ignored the camera which they, meaning all three, are never shy around.

Adding some spunk...

I thought after writing a novel for the first few journal entries, I would perhaps try to put in some pictures. So here is a picture of Ashlynn, Ellyce, and Jillian my three little princesses. While I'm on the subject of my little ones, I am amazed at how much they've grown. Ashlynn will be starting kindergarten August 25th-never thought the day would come when I'd have to send her off to school. Little backpack, hair done so cute, silly school uniform...the works. After the initial first drop-off, I'm pretty sure I'll be fine (but still-I'm going to miss my little girl). Ellyce is 2 1/2 and is as sassy as I probably was at her age. She is my firecracker for sure. She doesn't really like to listen to me or her daddy so she usually gets a time out. Her favorite thing is to dance around the house-most recently she is singing and dancing around the house. Figures, right? She does exactly what Ashlynn does-I might as well start a band. We need a couple of guitars-I'll leave the drums to Jillian who can substitute the real thing with some extra pots and pans. She'll do great. Speaking of Jillian, she is now 9 months old and into everything. Jillian stands up to our bed and tries to walk around it, but in the past two days she gotten a few boo boos from it. At least her ouchies are all on the same side...poor thing. Nathan had her standing up yesterday-she stood there for like five seconds. She needs to figure out that she'll be fine if she just takes a step (not that I'm wanting her to start walking yet).

Anyways-I just want to really start counting my blessings. I have three beautiful and healthy daughters. I have an amazing and supportive husband who works hard for our family. I am truly grateful to be blessed with an eternal family. I know this life is over in the blink of an eye-I know I need to just "ENJOY THE JOURNEY" (as my Uncle Rex always says). I do treasure these times...they're quite challenging at times, but I know that with some perserverance and love I (we, actually) can make it through. Enjoy the pictures-they sure do add some spunk to my life. I wouldn't trade that for anything in this world.

July is almost through...

I can't believe how time flies. It is nearing the end of July and I feel like "HOLY SMOKES" what happened to the time. I keep thinking I still have so much time left to get things ready before Ashlynn goes to kindergarten. Wishful thinking on my part of course-I'll never be ready for her to spend all day away from me (or am I?). A break will certainly be nice, but after having her with me all day everyday for the past five years...it's going to be a difficult thing having to do all those little errands like run up and down the stairs for diapers once again. My little runner will be at school. Ugh! I guess I'll just have to train Ellyce in the ways of errand running.

All last week I was able to teach at dance camp for Maricopa Dance Academy. I taught the older and younger tap classes as well as the Jazz classes for the younger girls. I had so much fun. It was quite refreshing to get back into the "swing" of things at dance-although it was a bit of a challenge taking three rambunctious little girls with me while I was teaching. I think I realized that now perhaps is not the time to be "pursuing" my love for dance. I will miss it dearly, however I know in the long run, I would have been missing something so much more important-my girls' childhood.

Well, today was rather fun. Jillian had a doctor's appointment-her 9-month well visit. She is 17 pounds 8 ounces and 28 inches long. She is actually in the 75% for her height (thanks to the Jones' genes) and is in the 10-25% for her weight. Small and tall-hmmm, this might work out great. She could be a model-oh wait she is! My friend, Bridgette has taken some adorable pictures of her in my old tutu. She looks so cute...all my girls are cute! What can I say-thank goodness they look like their FATHER!

Enjoy these moments---since time isn't going to hold still for us.

Vacation Moments July 2008

Of course, I would start an online journal then leave for vacation. That sounds like something I would do-oh well. On July 3, 2008 we packed up the Jones clan and headed for much cooler weather in Idaho. The trip wasn't as bad as I was secretly expecting, however, no matter which way you look at it, the trip was very long. The girls were great. Ellyce slept quite a bit as did Jillian. Ashlynn listened to her books on CD (the Series of Unfortunate Events #1 and #2, Bridge to Teribithia, and the Spiderwick Chronicles) and occasionally "practiced her letters". Nathan and I realized a little later in the trip that Jillian was not enjoying facing backwards while everyone else was admiring the gorgeous views...so on our way home we purchased a booster seat for Ellyce and Jillian was then moved to Ellyce's old car seat which fit her perfectly. She was a much happier traveler once we did that.

For the first five days or so we were in beautiful Pocatello, Idaho. Nathan's younger brothers Taylor, Hansan, and Dallan were all there to greet us. The girls couldn't wait to play outside in the normal weather (meaning not 115 degrees-more like 85 degrees). The twins were a huge help with both Ashlynn and Ellyce who seemed to forget their parents for the majority of the trip. They were too involved with playing outside with the boys to make time for any snuggles with Mommy. Oh well. While the boys were taking care of the girls, Lynne and I (plus Jillian) were able to sneak away and do some fun shopping in Idaho Falls. It was very enjoyable not having to chase another two kids around a store, plus I got some much needed Mom-in-law time. I loved being able to learn from her past experiences regarding motherhood as well as some tips on being a better wife. Every little bit helps-so Thanks, Lynne.

Nathan spent a lot of time with Taylor while he was home. Taylor got to go to EFY at Brigham Young University-Idaho starting on Monday (just a few days after we arrived). I think Nathan really enjoyed being able to hang out with his brother(s). It was definitely weird not having a FULL house like it usually is. Timothy is working for Luke and Emrie's Pool Business down here in Phoenix. Michael is still in Russia on his mission (soon to be coming home-perhaps September or October). Tommy and his wife, Xiaojun, and their kids are in Provo, UT now. Richard and Jena (recently married-Congrats) are in Florida selling home security systems. The kids are pretty scattered at the moment, but perhaps at Thanksgiving we'll all be there together.

On Wednesday, July 9th, we packed up our stuff and headed to Tommy and Xiaojun's house in Provo, UT. Our first night there, Xiaojun and I were able to have a girls' night out. We, of course, decided to take a trip to the mall. We only got to see like four stores and then the mall closed. So we figured our next best bet would be Target. We were there for about a half hour when we hear on the loud speakers that the store is closing. How frustrating-especially on a girls night out. So I begged her to take me to Jamba Juice (my utmost favorite place) then she drove me around campus (just taking the long way home)...even though our evening was cut a little short by closing time restrictions, I had so much fun spending time with my sister-in-law. Tommy is one lucky guy-Xiaojun is an amazing mother, wife, and sister/friend (plus she hands me down all her cute clothes-Thanks).

Thursday day, we planned a little picnic with Nate's cousins Stephanie and Julia Jones (Uncle Rob's daughters) in the canyon. It was so fun to get to know them a little bit better. Stephanie and Julia are both just gorgeous girls who are intelligent and fun. It must that Jones gene---Thank goodness for those genes (athletic, intelligent, and just all around great character). On Thursday night, it was the boys' turn to have a little outing. So I'm not quite sure what they did but they certainly stayed out longer than we did...glad they were enjoying each other's company.

Friday, July 11, Emrie's adopted baby girl was born. She was 5 pounds 14 ounces and 17 inches long. We all decided to take it easy on Friday and wait until Saturday to go and visit the proud parents and big brother of a new baby Jones (actually Stoten)...she was beautiful. Gorgeous skin and so incredibly tiny- I forgot how little they are when they're born. Ashlynn was just about her size only a little longer...boy, was she beautiful too! Friday night, Xiaojun made us the most delicious food known to man. Nathan was in heaven...she made crab, shrimp and chicken. I'm not so sure if Nathan would have shared any with us, but we sort of made him...we were hungry too.

Saturday after we were able to see our newest addition to the Jones/Stoten family, we headed to the mall (once again) in Sandy, UT. Nothing exceptional about that mall, but had a great time just hanging out with Lynne, Miles, Xiaojun, her kids, my kids, and the boys. After that we just headed home. After we put the kiddies to bed, Tommy, Xiaojun, Nathan, Stephanie, Brent (Stephanie's boyfriend-or dating friend, whatever you want to call him-he was really nice) and Julia all went to eat at Red Robin then saw GET SMART at the movies. Xiaojun's mom came up and watched the kids while we were out...all the older kids were great and fell asleep but Jillian wasn't wanting to sleep (I guess). She eventually fell asleep on Xiaojun's mom-where we found her when we arrived home.

Now we're finally back home and trying to recuperate from being away from home for eleven days. Getting the girls back on a schedule is going fine other than mommy wants to nap when the kids are--I need a vacation from a vacation. Know what I mean?

Day 1: Establishing a journal in the techno-world

Well, this is it. I thought this would be a great way to simply keep a journal. I have one, yes-however, this might be a more "illustrated" way to preserve some of my own thoughts. This may be the start of something truly great-you never know. I hope that whomever reads my thoughts and feelings can either learn something from me or even pass on any advice as well. I am open to both-

One quote I will begin this online journal with is from President Thomas S. Monson: "Learn from the past...Prepare for the future...[and] Live in the present" (May 2003). Under the first section of learning from the past is this: "Each of us has a heritage...this heritage provides a foundation built of sacrifice and faith. Ours is the priviledge and responsibility to build on such firm and stable footing" (May 2003). Next is preparing for the future: "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30)..."Without a goal, there can be no real success...success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal" (May 2003). And last is living in the present: "There is no tomorrow to remember if we don't do something today, and to live most fully today, we must do that which is of the greatest importance" (May 2003).

I hope that I myself will be able to live by these words. They are incredible words for all live by. And there is one more quote to leave with you all on this my first journal entry (and for many more to come): "Let us relish life as we live it and find joy in the journey" (from Elder Monte J. Brough). Joy in the journey-that is what I long to find...