Avatar.

I seriously LOVED this movie.

We sat on the second row.

It was packed....

I still loved wearing my 3D glasses...eating mounds of popcorn & sipping on my sprite!

I thought the movie was intense, funny, and a small kick of romance.

I am stoked for it to come out on video.

I think I'll be investing in a dvd for my enjoyment at home.

It was a classic.

& I am really excited for them to make the sequel.

Lets just hope it's just as good as the first, If not better!

p.s.. Yes, I do kind of want to be an avatar now. :)

Do you know what we really have?

Do We Really Know What We Have?

 (As written by LDS Missionary Scott Anderson in his journal.)

 

We had an unexpected moment in the mission field. We knocked on a door and a lady said something to us we had never heard, "Come in." Now remember, I was a German missionary. This never happened to us; not even invited us in. My companion said, "Do you know who we are?" "You want to talk about religion, don't you?" she said. "Yes, we do" explained my companion. "Oh, come in. I've been watching you walk around the neighborhood. I'm so excited to have you here. Please come into my study." We went in and seated ourselves and she sat down behind the desk. She looked at us with a smile, then pointed to three PHD's hanging over her head. One in Theology, the study of religion, one in Philosophy, the study of ideas, and one in European History specializing in Christianity. She then kind of rubbed her hands together and said, "Do you see this row of books here?" We looked at a well arranged row of books. She then said, "I wrote them all. I'm the Theology professor at the University of Munich . I've been doing this for 41 years. I love to talk about religion. What would you like to discuss?"

 

My inspired companion said we'd like to talk about the Book of Mormon.

 

She said, "I don't know anything about the Book of Mormon."

 

He said, "I know."

 

Twenty minutes later we walked out of the room. We had handed her a Book of Mormon and this trade off that we had been on was over. I didn't see this lady again for another eight and a half weeks. It was in a small room filled with people (when I saw her again), as she was standing in the front dressed in white.

This Theology professor at the University of Munich was well known throughout Southern Germany . She stood up in front of this small congregation of people and said, "Before I'm baptized I'd like to tell you my feelings. In Amos chapter 8:11 it says there will be a famine of the work of God. I've been in that famine for 76 years. Why do you think I have three PHD's? I've been hungering for truth and have been unable to find it. Then eight and one-half weeks ago, two boys walked into my home. I want you to know these boys are very nice and wonderful young men, but they didn't convert me. They couldn't; they don't know enough." And then she smiled and said, "but since the day they walked in my door I have read the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, all of Talmage's great writings, Evidence a nd Reconciliations by John A. Widtsoe and 22 other volumes of church doctrine."

She then said something which I think is a challenge for every one of us here. She said, "I don't think you members know what you have."  Then in her quiet, powerful way, she said, "After those years of
studying philosophy, I picked up the D&C and read a few little verses that answered some of the greatest questions of Aristotle and Socrates! When I read those verses, I wept for four hours." Then she said again, "I don't think you members know what you have. Don't you understand the world is in a famine? Don't you know we are starving for what you have? I am like a starving person being led to a feast. And over these eight and one-half weeks I have been able to feast in a way I have never known possible."

Her powerful message and her challenging question was then ended with her favorite scripture, "For you don't see the truth can make you free." She said, "these missionaries don't just carry membership in the church in their hands, they carry within their hand the power to make the atonement of Jesus Christ full force in my life. Today I'm going into the water and I'm going to make a covenant with Christ for the first time with proper authority. I've wanted to do this all my life."

None of us will forget the day that she was baptized. When she got finished being baptized, she got back out and before she received the Holy Ghost, she stood and said, "Now I would like to talk about the Holy Ghost for awhile." She then gave us a wonderful talk about the gift of the Holy Ghost.

(Later in Elder Anderson 's journal) Two young missionaries, both relatively new, (one had been out about five months, the other three weeks) accidentally knocked on the door of the seminary in Reagansburg. 125 wonderful men were studying to become priests inside. They didn't realize this was the door they had knocked on because it looked like any other door. They were invited in. In somewhat of a panic, the man said, "I am sorry we just don't have time right now." The two missionaries were relieved, but then he said, "Would you come back next Tuesday and spend two hours addressing all 125 of us and answer questions about your church?"

 

They agreed that they would, and ran down the road screaming.

 

They made a phone call to the mission president and cried for help. The mission president called us and said, "Do you think that dear lady that you have just brought into the church would like to come help these two missionaries with this assignment?"

 

 I called her to explain what was to happen, and she said, "more than I would like to eat, more than I would like to sleep, more than..."

 

I said, "Fine, you don't have to explain."

 

We drove her to the seminary and as we went in, she grabbed the two missionaries that had originally been invited, put her arms around them and said, "you are wonderful, young men. Would each of you spend about two minutes bearing your testimony and then sit down and be quiet please?"

 

They were grateful for their assignment. They bore their testimony and then seated themselves. Then she got up and said, "For the next 30 minutes I would like to talk to you about historical apostasy." She knew every date and fact. She had a PHD in this. She talked about everything that had been taken away from the great teachings the Savior had given, mostly organizational, in the first part of her talk. Then the next 45 minutes was doctrinal. She gave every point of doctrinal changes, when it happened and what had changed. By the time she was done, she looked at them and said, "In 1820 a boy walked into a grove of trees. He had been in a famine just like I have been. He knelt to pray, because he was hungry just like I have been. He saw God the Father and His Son. I know that is hard for you to believe that they could be two separate beings, but I know t hey are."

 

She shared scriptures that showed that they were and then said, "I would like to talk about historical restoration of truth." She then, point by point, date by date, from the Doctrine and Covenants put back the organizational structure of Christ's church. The last 20 minutes of her talk were absolutely brilliant. She doctrinally put the truth back in place, point by point, principle by principle. When she finished this profound talk, she said, "I have been in a famine as talked about in Amos. You know that because last year I was here teaching you." For the first time, we realized that she was their Theology professor. She continued by saying, "Last year when I was teaching you, I told you that I was still in a famine. I have been led to a feast. I invite you to come." She finished with her testimony and sat down.

 

What happened next was hard for me to understand. These 125 sincere, wonderful men stood and for the next 7 minutes, gave a standing ovation. By the time four minutes had gone by I was crying. I remember standing and looking into their eyes and seeing the tears in their eyes too. I wondered why they were applauding after the message she had given. I asked many of them later. They said, "to hear someone so unashamed of the truth, to hear someone teaching with such power, to hear someone who finally has conviction."

 

The truth is what can set us free... Do we really know what we have?

I love 4??

I have this, well I guess you could call it a "problem", where I rub my feet together or in a pattern of some kind in order to fall asleep at night.

I've been doing this since before I can remember.

When Tyson and I were first married it would bother him a little bit-- but now I think he's gotten use to it.

So, lets get to the point of this story... The other night we were both laying in bed and I was rubbing my foot on the top of Tyson's foot and began writing letters to spell out things on his foot. This is our conversation:

Tyson: Are you writing letters?

Jade: yup.

Tyson: I- L-O-V-E-4???

Jade: *starts laughing* What else could a 4 be? 
Tyson: What? You wrote a four.
Jade: No, it's a "U".


P.s. Read the below post or just please leave your email, as I will be changing my blog to private next month.
Thanks.

Uh-oh.

I've been receiving comments from unknown people and I think It truly is time for me to change my blog to private because of this. I have a lot of emails from everyone... from when I attempted to make it private for a short time before.(if that makes sense)
So I am FOR SURE going to make my blog private next month. So just to be safe. Please leave your email for me. I pinky promise I wont publish it. But this way I know who will be viewing my blog in the future. Thanks a ton. xoxo -

As easy as pie.

Today has been a decent day.
Nothing to exciting.
Nothing tragic.*thank you...lord!!*
This equals decent.
However, as I am writing this I can hear my son farting in the bath tub in the room next door... and pouring water on the floor outside of the bath tub.
*This is the moment that I laugh... because although he's doing something naughty--- his funny farts make it all worth it.

I love being a mom.

The end.

Current read.

So far this book has been phenomonal. I have really enjoyed reading it. 

When I was a youngin' I seriously hated to read. But since I was about 19 or so I have started to read much more, and I really enjoy it. I've read anything from Glen Beck's books to Greg Behrendt (When I was 18 and trying to break up with a boyfriend I read his book "It's called a break up because it's Broken" -- Don’t hate.. ;) It's a funny book none the less.) 
Anyhow, because I'm not getting an education and studying much I feel like this is my way of learning more. So the question for the day is: Do YOU have any reads that you just absolutely love or have impacted you in a good way?! Please let me know!!!

Driving.

Tyson and I were driving home today from Benja's *A restaurant*  and this is our conversation:

*Tyson pointing to a newer civic in the next lane*
Tyson: I dont like that Civic- do you?
Jade: Yes, I think It's cute!
Tyson: It's to small for you.
Jade: No, I'd drive it.. I think I'd like an Accord more though.... Oh, wait- I don't like those Rims at all.
Tyson: They are stock.
Jade: They aren't cute.
Tyson: Seems like Honda has two types of stock rims.... The rims seem to really make the car.
Jade: Oh, yeah-- kind of like if you were to wear a really cute outfit with ugly shoes. Ruins the whole outfit.
*Tyson's now laughing*
Tyson: Do you think I'm some sort of Fashionista or something... Have you looked at me lately? I'm a boy.

Today... I feel.

LOVE
–noun
*A profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
*A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.


This is how I feel today.

As well as this:

Happy:
*Characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy.


Life is great. 

P.s. I am getting better at this whole blogging thing!! :) woohoo. Posts galoure! 

Video Games Anyone?

My husband is a hunter.

Every year when hunting season rolls around he rolls right out of the house and up to the mountains.
It's something he's done long before we met.
Something else he enjoys--- Video games.

So, I'm usually a mario kind of gal... However, let me just say, I'm hooked.
I get so stocked with I shoot that grizzly right into the lung-heart-spine! Gotta give high fives when you get big points!!

So, I'm guilty as well. I'm loving this game. Kudos to the makers. 
 

Cellular telephones.

I don't think I know a single soul (over the age of 15) Who doesn't own one.
I recall back in the day when people thought they were bad "A" when they had a phone hooked to there car. I even think my barbie car had a fake cell phone attached to the center of the vehicle. That way even Barbie could call Ken when she was out and about. 

Now I really think there are many pro's AND con's to these bad boys. I mean, do you ever get totally sick of Betty Sou, Farmer Joe, and/or your mother/father calling you off the chain? I know I do. Sometimes being alone, and having some peace and quiet in the home is ridiculously delightful. It's moments like this, where I'm at ease relaxing with the son where BAM 

" Ra Ra-ah-ah-ah
Roma Roma-ma

GaGa
Oh la-la
Want your bad romance" 
Goes off. 
Dont hate- it's lady Gaga, and Yes, that's one of my ringer's.
And the first thing that goes off in my head when I hear the ring is... ugh, I don't feel like talking... call back another time.... *hit ignore*

But in the same notion... I love to chit-chat, giggle, converse, and have something to call someone on if it's an emergency. Never do I want to be stuck somewhere with out service... That would be undeniably horrible if I was in a bad situation and could not call out. 

So none the less.. I suppose I will say "Amen" to cellular telephones and I guess we'll keep you around for the long haul. As long as you promise to never go back to the "brick" style.

Dance! Dance!

This kid, Matt Tayao, seriously makes me want to get jiggy-wit-it and get down with my bad self.
I miss dance class.
Fun stuff.
Makes me smile like a little kid on Christmas morning...
Tell me this kid in the yellow socks doesn't make you want to get up and dance like no one's watching... cuz' it makes me want to..... and hopefully no one really is watching. Seriously, lets hope! ;)

Dinner.

"Whats for Dinner Honey?"

"Mom, whats for dinner?"

"What are YOU cooking for dinner?"

Sometimes, this question gets old. 

Sometimes I think It would be grand if I already had a menu planned out for me.. and I was just the cook.

Don't get me wrong.. I absolutely love to cook and bake.

It would just be great if I never had to come up with what to make for dinner. 

I have a thousand other things running through this brain of mine.

So, I think, we as women need to have a couple days a month that our husbands or children cook. I think It could be exciting to find new recipes that they could make. =) 

Could be like... a new tradition? ;) 

Would be fabulous. 

And I would love to always be in charge or the dessert. 

That's the easy part.... and the best part. I thoroughly enjoy baking. 

One day.............. I'll own a bakery. One day.

Number.one.

Resolution:  

* A resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something. 

So, Here we are today-- Making a "Firm" resolution I suppose. So, Lets be honest. Have we all ever made a sure resolution and kept it. I know that in the past I've made my share. However, they all haven't been kept. 

I have now decided to make a resolution that I will cross-heart-pinky-promise that I will hopefully keep. 

My resolution is to write. And often.

To some this may sound silly but I use to find much relief in this.

I believe that it'll be something that if I go back to doing often, I will find joy in doing it once again.

My second resolution is to get into better shape. 

My abs are hurting as we speak.

I am trying. I may or may not be as buff as.....well.... actually, I don't want to be "buff" I just want to look better and feel better.=)

So, cheers to a new year, 2010.

TONS!

Tons of Posts today. I haven't updated much lately.
So here ya go.
Enjoy.

Introducing...

RANCH!!!
We went to eat at WingStop.
Delish.
Anyhow, So Parks Loves the French Fries and Chicken strips there
and we decided to let him try dipping it in Ranch this time.
I'm sure it was a have-to-be-there kind of funny.
But for Journal purposes.. here's the pictures. =)




He loves Ranch! :)

Christmas Time!!!

We were spoiled by our families this year.
But, it was a ton of fun.
We got the chance to talk to Tyson's younger brother-- He's on a mission in Chile, and that was really nice. He only has 6 months left!! :)
Parks has really enjoyed all his new toys.... and this Christmas was a lot more exciting with him-- He understood a little bit more this year.



Grandpa Tom, Tyson's dad:
Jade's parents, Ma'ma and Poppa.
Jade's older sister, Shawn:
Jade's Younger sister, Victoria:
Jade's Brother, Adam:
Jades dad and Nephew, Jagger:

P Dawg:


Maya, Jade's niece:



Tyson's sister, Teisha:
Tyson's mom. Gammy Stacey:


So excited!! :)
Stockings!!
Good Morning.
I know, I look gorgeous! =/

Pictures?

We all attempted to do family pictures with my side of the family.
It was a little bit of a joke.
haha.
Parks sit still?
Never.
He wants to explore... constantly.








Hopefully, one day, We can get the entire fam damily to sit still for ten minutes-- So we can at least take a few snap shots.
We'll see.... :)

I dont really get to many opportunities to spend time with girls. So, It was really a nice thing to be invited to McCall's bridal shower.
She looked great.
It was a little bit of a mini high school reunion.
So good to see a lot of the girls.
A few are pregnant.
A few married or getting married.
Everyone Changes so much but it seems that we're all doing very well.
Congrats again to McCall... :)

Books anyone?

Parks will sometimes look at books in bed.
This is how we found him when we went to go check on him.
Asleep.
Book on his face.
Out cold. :)
And of course with "Blankie".

Parks and Daddy + Video Games

Tyson has a PS3 that he often plays.
Once in awhile P will sit with Daddy and watch him for awhile....
however, this time he didn't really watch..
He just crashed. :)





P.s. This is his "blankie" that he drags around. He looks like Lynus off of Charlie Brown. Loves his blanket.
P.P.S. For my journal purposes we've mastered taking away the bottle. He doesn't even ask for it anymore... Thank goodness. But Mr.Binkie is still in our lives.... Thats a harder task right now.