The Nutcracker

Last night Scott and I went to see The Nutcracker at Capital Theater in Salt Lake. We left early and ate at the Garden (top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building) which was delicious. Here are some pictures from the view.























Here we are in the lobby of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building with the huge chandelier and Christmas tree. We were having a hard time getting a good picture though, these were the least fuzzy.























It was freezing outside, but we decided to walk the 2 blocks to the theater so we didn't have to worry about parking. It was so fun to see the lights on the way out.

Sint-Nicolaas Day

This year we continued our tradition of celebrating Sint-Nicolaas day on December 5th. We put out our shoes and "St. Nick" came and filled them! My mom is from Holland and so we grew up putting out our shoes on the night of Dec. 5 to find them in morning with presents! It was great because we kind of got 2 Christmases! To find out more about the holiday follow this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas

I love getting presents for Scott because he is so easy to shop for! Besides that, he gets sooo excited for anything I get him! A couple of months ago we were in a store and we walked past the toothbrushes. Since he wants to be a dentist someday, teeth fascinate him. We saw the Sonicare toothbrushes as well and in passing he said, "some day I want one of these." Of course I noted that in my head and set about finding the best deal for my dollar (I am one that will research for days to find the best model for the best price). I found one, the Sonicare Elite X9500, in a package with 2 handles, 3 brush heads and one charger for almost the same price as one!

I also found, as I was reading reviews, a website
"Sonicseal" that sells silicon seals that go over the brush base to seal out the water so mold doesn't build up inside the base! It's a great product!! (it's the colored things on our brushes)

Scott was guessing for weeks what he thought I had gotten him (since he's so easy to buy for, he always guesses his presents!), but had no idea! We've been talking about Yoga lately because I want to get us both into it (I think it's a great low impact way to increase flexibility and strengthen necessary muscles!). He thought I'd gotten him a yoga mat, so he wanted to get me one as well. I love it! It's thick and not slippery either. I've been doing yoga on Jen and Lance's Wii Fit, but I'm excited to find a video to do a routine!

Christmas Dinner!

We had a department Christmas dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 3 for all of the faculty, staff, and retirees affiliated with the Department of Biology. With the aid of our office staff, we had a successful evening!

When I first walked in to set out our department gifts (this year we customized some mugs to give to each attendee), the maitre di came out to greet me. I was surprised to see Peter! Scott trained him on his mission in Brazil. Here is a picture of them:

After the dinner was over, we decided to take pictures in front of the giant Christmas tree they had in the room. Merry Christmas! (note: this was one of the last ones we took so I look tired)

I love Church

For information on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints official stance taken on Prop 8 please see: Newsroom

Please note as well that this information includes information from several other organizations heavily involved in the campaign for the passing of Prop 8: Catholic Bishops Decry Religious Bigotry Against Mormons

Also, I'd like to note the passing of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, 91, of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society (Society of Women) Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.