Christmas Challenge

Many of us will be traveling home to various cities this Christmas break to places outside of the Utah bubble.  You may have the opportunity to see family and friends who have lost the fire of their testimony.  You may go out to lunch with an old friend who hasn't heard your testimony in awhile.

Take advantage of the opportunities that surely will come to bear a simple and powerful testimony of the truths you know.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

2 Timothy 1:7

Christmas Gallery

"In our day the spirit of giving gifts plays a large role in commemorating the Christmas season. I wonder if we might profit by asking ourselves, What gifts would the Lord have me give to Him or to others at this precious season of the year?

May I suggest that our Heavenly Father would want each of us to render to Him and to His Son the gift of obedience. I also feel that He would ask us to give of ourselves and not be selfish or greedy or quarrelsome."      -Thomas S. Monson

Christmas Carols!

Sisters! There is an activity TODAY!  Meet at the 10's playground at 1:40 so we can arrive to Medallion Mandor by 2pm.  Enjoy a break from finals and the companionship of the Relief Society sisters as you render service to those who may be quiet lonely this time of year.

How to Beat Cabin Fever (with kids)

This post is mostly for moms who are feeling trapped inside with babies, toddlers and kids but hey read it anyway.  Maybe you'll get some ideas!  I tried to brainstorm a few ideas of things to do that involve getting our of the house, letting kids exert energy and socialization.  If you know of anything else please comment below so we can have a working list of great ideas!!

Provo Library Story Time {FREE}-Several different days and times!  Toddlers and babies have age appropriate puppet shows, songs and stories.  It's also a great way to hear about other fun events happening in the community which are often FREE.

Book Babies: 0-12 months-Friday 10-10:30
Toddler Time: 1-2 -Every Tues, Wed, Thurs 10:05-10:25, 11:05-11:25 and Fridays 11:05-11;25
Preschool: 3-5-Every Tues, Wed, Thurs 10-10:30 and 11-11:30
Spanish: Monday 6:30-7pm and Friday 10:30-11


Provo Towne Center Mall Play area {FREE}- Perfect for letting your kids play on an indoor structure while you sit on a soft bench.  There are stairs to climb, a slide, a couple tunnels to climb through and lots of games on the wall.  Not to mention you could go Christmas shopping afterward!

Provo Recreation Center {$5 for adult and $4 for children 2 and older.  2 and under are FREE}-  If you haven't already hear...this place is GREAT.  When you buy a day pass you can leave and come back as many times throughout the day as you would like.  So you could go by yourself in the morning and get a great work out in and then comeback in the afternoon with the kids and go swimming in their awesome indoor splash pad, lazy river, pool hot tub area or their indoor climbing structure.  Overall its a very fun, warm place to burn all the energy that builds up in the winter!

Remember, if you know of any more fun places, comment below!  We all need the ideas!

We are Invited to Become

Elder Oaks illustrates beautifully and simply in his talk, "The Challenge to Become" that our lives are not a list of the good and bad we have done rather who we have become.  This is an incredibly powerful talk that should be read and re-read.  Enjoy reading his talk HERE and feel the love and motivation that comes from being taught by and apostle of the Lord.

'Tis the Season!

Here is a fun list of festive and cheap things you can do to enjoy Christmas in Utah Valley.

1. The most obvious is to visit Temple Square to see the lights! Or for a more local viewing you can head North on University Ave and see the lights at the Riverwoods.

2. Jingle Bus!  FREE! Now through December 28, holiday season visitors to downtown can hop-on and off the holiday themed ride circulating between The Gateway, Temple Square, Gallivan Plaza & City Creek Center. Jingle Bus runs from 5 – 10 PM, 7 days a week free of charge, courtesy of the SLC Downtown Alliance.

3. Stroll through the shops at Gardner Village.  There are lots of tasty shops for food or treats and the halls will be decked with cute festive decor.  Entrance into Gardner Village is FREE.

4. Thanksgiving Point to see live reindeer and ice sculptures for FREE! 

• Live Reindeer in the Plaza - Nov. 29-Dec. 23, M-F 5-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m.
• Ice Carving Demonstrations - 2, 4, 11, 13, 18, 6-8 p.m.

                    3003 N. Thanksgiving Way in Lehi
                    801-768-2300

5. Utah Governor's Mansion does FREE tours and the beautiful home is decked out for the Holidays!

                   Tuesday and Thursdays in December until Dec. 19, 2-4 p.m.

                    603 E. South Temple
                    801-538-1005

                    Parking is available east of the Governor's Mansion behind the Utah Arts Council               building. The lot is accessible from H Street.

5. Live Nativity at Liberty Park.  FREE

"Echoes of Christmas" is a free community music and theater event presenting the story of the first Christmas. The audience walks from scene to scene as actors and singers - along with live sheep, goats, a camel and a donkey - present portions of the Christmas story.

The show runs continually from 7 to 8:45 p.m., with new scenes starting approximately every five minutes. Walking through all six scenes takes about 40 minutes.

December 12-14, 16-18, 2013, 7-8:45 p.m. nightly

Liberty Park North Entrance
900 S. 600 E., Salt Lake City
Park by Tennis Bubble, follow signs to gathering spot west of Youth Center

Free, no ticket required, donations accepted

Enjoy this Merry season with your family and take advantage of the many free activities offered in the Utah Valley!

Family Home Evening!

It's finally December! It's month is full of chances to establish traditions within your "new" family. Take tonight to decide what traditions you want to establish and make a plan with your family to execute! One idea comes from Deseret News, and that is to do the 12 Days of Service. Here is a list of ideas they had. Use these, change them or do a different tradition altogether. But remember traditions are a source for memory making, so make some memories!

On the first day of service, do something unexpected for a family member. Complete their chores without fanfare or offer to do the one thing you know they most dread each day.

On the second day of service, do something nice for someone you don’t know. Open a door or pay for a breakfast in the drive-thru. Be creative, but be safe.

On the third day of service, do something in your community. Visit a nursing home or hospital for a few minutes. Volunteer at a shelter or food bank. Be sure to call ahead and ensure the timing is right for them to put you to work.

On the fourth day of service, call or email someone you haven’t communicated with in a long time. What friend or family needs to hear from you? Who needs to be reminded you care?

On the fifth day of service, read to a child. Consider calling the nearest elementary school, whether you have children there or not, and offer to read a picture book to a younger class. The looks on their faces will stay with you long after the holidays slide past.

On the sixth day of service, take extra time to pray for someone with a specific need. Is your neighbor ill? Is someone from church out of work? Ask God to bless them and make their burdens light, and never underestimate the power of prayer.

On the seventh day of service, share your talents. Put on a talent show at home. Call your grandmother and sing over the phone. Write a poem for your teacher. Offer to take Christmas photos of those special friends you know can't afford to have them taken.

On the eighth day of service, do something nice for someone in your ward or stake. Prayerfully identify the need and perform the service as a family, if possible.

On the ninth day of service, thank someone for the unnoticed, unheralded things they do. Thank a Sunday School teacher for her lesson. Thank the crosswalk attendant for keeping your children safe. Thank your mother for getting up early and helping you prepare for school.

On the 10th day of service, pay a specific compliment to someone for a smile, an attitude or a sense of humor. Look someone in the eye and give him a moment to shine. Then repeat as many times as possible throughout the day.

On the 11th day of service, share your testimony with someone about the true meaning of Christmas. Express your love of the Savior and invite someone to share what Christmas means to them too.

On the 12th day of service, sit with your family, no matter how large or small, and review the 11 days. Ask, what do you remember? What would you do differently? Who benefited most from your service: you, your family or the people you served?

Getting to Know Erin De Campos!

My name is: Erin De Campos
My favorite dinner is: Pizza

My favorite dessert is: That's a hard one... I like just about everything
My favorite flower is: peonies
My favorite hobby is: Art
My favorite restaurant is: Another hard one.. recently it's been Zupas
A game I like to play is: phase 10
The music I listen to most is: very good
My favorite thing to buy is: does going to restaraunts count?  My husband and I love eating out
A book I highly recommend is: The Book Theif
A movie I watch over and over is: The Count of Monte Cristo
A smell that makes me pause is: Baking bread/cake/cookies
The city I would most like to visit is: Athens
My favorite thing to do on a date is: something active - rock climb, hike, swim, ect
The best vacation I ever had was: when my family visited New Orleans

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Harold from Harold and the Purple Crayon

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Cook really, really well

What chore do you absolutely hate doing? I really hate doing dishes

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? I usually watch an episode of a show I like and extend my free time to 45 minutes

What do you think is your very best feature or characteristic? my eyes

What is the "thing" you are most grateful for? My husband

 What is your dream vacation? To go on a European Tour

 What's the coolest thing you've ever done? Went to DC to compete in a national competition in high school

 How did you meet your husband? How did he propose? My husband was my zone leader, so that explains how we met.  To propose he had my girlfriends take me out to a restaraunt, the waiter gave me a rose and his phone playing "Marry Me" and he came in around the corner with a lot of our friends behind him.

 The best thing about being married is: not having to leave each other at night

What do you and your husband like to do together? play games, watch movies

What would be your perfect day? getting to go away somewhere for a day with my husband and we would do something that neither of us had ever done before, go to really good restaraunts and eat things we've never eaten before and just enjoy everything new with each other.

What was the best advice you got/would give on marriage? to learn how to forgive and forget.

What story does your family always tell about you? when I was about 3 my family put on a Nativity story for our friends and family and I was Mary.  When I got to the manger, I looked at the baby and declared "That's not baby Jesus!" and threw him across the room.

Family Home Evening/Free Date Night

This fun date night/FHE idea comes from "Family Home Evening for Newlyweds" by Deborah Pace Rowley.



Reading Adventure

Go to the library or a local book store like Barnes and Noble or Deseret Book and read children's books to each other.  Find Dr. Seuss books you loved as a kid.  Reread "Where the Wild Things Are" or other favorites.

When you have finished exploring the kids' section, recommend adult or adolescent books to each other.  Is there anything you read as a teenager or more recently that you loved and want your spouse to read?  Check the books out if you're at the library or see if D.I has what you're looking for for cheap!

Getting to Know Aubrey Zaugg!

My name is: Aubrey Zaugg

 My favorite dinner is: Steak with A1 sauce with green beans and mashed potatoes. J

My favorite dessert is: Brownies!

My favorite flower is: Sunflower

My favorite hobby is: Scrapbooking

My favorite restaurant is: Garcia’s

A game I like to play is: Any card game!!! I love Shaft, hand and foot etc…

The music I listen to most is: Country

My favorite thing to buy is: Shoes!

A book I highly recommend is: The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks, or any book by him.

A movie I watch over and over is: Disney movies! Beauty and the Beast… also I could watch life as you know it over and over, and Sweet Home Alabama!

A smell that makes me pause is: Cinnamon

The city I would most like to visit is: hmmm Boston, I’ve already visited that city but would love to go back!

My favorite thing to do on a date is: Anything exciting, something new.

The best vacation I ever had was: Oh I have loved so many of my vacations, but one really nice one was in Nantucket with my nanny family! Got to spend my whole 2 weeks on the beach! I absolutely loved going to Alaska this summer with my husband too!

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Ariel! Live under waterJ

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I want to learn how to fight, like self-defense, and just be really awesome at it! 

What chore do you absolutely hate doing? Vacuuming

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Sometimes read, watch a show, or go for a walk. Exercise, I don’t know if exercise is exactly free time for me.

What do you think is your very best feature or characteristic? I am organized.

 What is your dream vacation? Backpacking in Europe

 What's the coolest thing you've ever done? Skydiving is pretty cool!

 How did you meet your husband? How did he propose? I met my husband through my mom and his mom. His family moved 3 houses away from mine while Tyler was on his mission. I was in New Jersey when he got home from his mission, and we met when I came home for Christmas….. He came to New Jersey and proposed to me there. We went to the beach on a pretty cold day, and just walked around and found a place to sit. He was wearing shorts and had a backpack with him and he had his pants in there so he said he would be right back and he went to change. (There were a bunch of rocks piled together all along the beach.) Anyway when he came back he told me to come here, and there was arrows that he drew in the sand so I followed the arrows. They led me to a message in a bottle and the message was a poem he read to me and then he got down on his knees and asked me to marry him!

 The best thing about being married is: Always having someone to be with and talk too! Learning and growing together! It has been great! Only been married for 4 months so we still have a lot to learn!

What do you and your husband like to do together? We like to watch Once Upon a Time J Play games, go camping, go on walks or bike rides. (Sadly we haven’t really been able to do too much)

What would be your perfect day? Having a day spent with my husband with no worries whatsoever, and just do whatever we want. Hiking! Swimming! Camping! Any of those! J

What was the best advice you got/would give on marriage? To never yell at each other.

What story does your family always tell about you? When I was four years old I would go into my dad’s room and say “I am a monster!” and my dad would say “AH! A monster!” and I would turn my head and say “Where!?”

General Conference Recap

Watch this short video to remember President Monson's words for the saints last conference.

Ponder this:

Have I heeded these inspired words and made changes to follow his counsel?

Click Here

Family Home Evening

 This lesson comes from a great blog with lots of FHE ideas. Click here to visit the original site.


Scripture: 2 Nephi 9:51

“51 Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.”

Hymn: The Lord is my Light

1. The Lord is my light; then why should I fear?
By day and by night his presence is near.
He is my salvation from sorrow and sin;
This blessed assurance the Spirit doth bring.

(Chorus)
The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night he leads,
He leads me along.

2. The Lord is my light; tho clouds may arise,
Faith, stronger than sight, looks up thru the skies
Where Jesus forever in glory doth reign.
Then how can I ever in darkness remain?

3. The Lord is my light; the Lord is my strength.
I know in his might I’ll conquer at length.
My weakness in mercy he covers with pow’r,
And, walking by faith, I am blest ev’ry hour.

4. The Lord is my light, my all and in all.
There is in his sight no darkness at all.
He is my Redeemer, my Savior, and King.
With Saints and with angels his praises I’ll sing.

Lesson:

Read and summarize ”Keeping Your Life In Balance“ . Talk about the importance of finding balance in life and how these suggestions can help you find that balance.

These eight suggestions can help you face life’s many challenges without feeling overwhelmed.

Coping with the complex and diverse challenges of everyday life, which is not an easy task, can upset the balance and harmony we seek. Many good people are trying very hard to maintain balance, but they sometimes feel overwhelmed and defeated.

I have a few suggestions that I hope will be valuable to those of you concerned with balancing life’s demands. These suggestions are very basic; their concepts can easily be overlooked if you are not careful. You will need a strong commitment and personal discipline to incorporate them into your life.

1. Establish Priorities

Think about your life and set your priorities. Find some quiet time regularly to think deeply about where you are going and what you will need to do to get there. Jesus, our exemplar, often “withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed” (Luke 5:16). We need to do the same thing occasionally to rejuvenate ourselves spiritually as the Savior did.

Write down the tasks you would like to accomplish each day. Keep foremost in mind the sacred covenants you have made with the Lord as you write down your daily schedules.

2. Set Attainable Goals

Set short-term goals that you can reach. Set goals that are well balanced—not too many nor too few and not too high nor too low. Write down your attainable goals and work on them according to their importance. Pray for divine guidance in your goal setting.

3. Budget Wisely

Everyone faces financial challenges in life. Through wise budgeting, control your real needs and measure them carefully against your many wants in life. The prophet Jacob said to his people: “Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy” (2 Nephi 9:51).

Remember to always pay a full tithing.

4. Build Relationships

Stay close to your parents, relatives, and friends. They will help you keep a balance in your life. Build relationships with your family and friends through open and honest communication.

Good family relationships can be maintained through gentle, loving, thoughtful communication. Remember that often a glance, a wink, a nod, or a touch will say more than words. A sense of humor and good listening are also vital parts of good communication.

5. Study the Scriptures

Search the scriptures. They offer one of the best sources we have to keep in touch with the Spirit of the Lord. One of the ways I have gained my sure knowledge that Jesus is the Christ is through my study of the scriptures. Presidents Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) and Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) called upon members of the Church to make the study of the Book of Mormon a daily habit and a lifetime pursuit.

The Apostle Paul’s advice to Timothy is good counsel for each of us. He wrote, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

6. Take Care of Yourself

Many people, including me, have difficulty finding the time for sufficient rest, exercise, and relaxation. We must schedule time on our daily calendars for these activities if we are to enjoy a healthy and balanced life. Good physical appearance enhances our dignity and self-respect.

7. Live the Gospel

The prophets have taught repeatedly that families should teach one another the gospel, preferably in a weekly family home evening. This family practice, if we are not very careful, can slowly drift away from us. We must not lose this special opportunity to “teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom” (D&C 88:77), which will lead families to eternal life.

Satan is always working to destroy our testimonies, but he will not have the power to tempt or disturb us beyond our strength to resist when we are studying the gospel and living its commandments.

8. Pray Often

My last suggestion is to pray often as individuals and as families. You can know the right decisions to make each day through constant, sincere prayer.

The prophet Alma summarized the importance of prayer in these words: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering” (Alma 13:28). When I am in tune spiritually, I find that I can balance everything in my life much more easily.

Service and Yum Yums!

You're Invited!



What: Super Saturday to discuss service and visiting teaching over breakfast!

When: Saturday! (November 16th)

Time: 10AM

Wear: Anything COMFORTABLE

Where: Multipurpose Building

Getting to Know Mikelle Miller!

My name is: Mikelle

 My favorite dinner is: Anything healthy

My favorite dessert is: crème brule or ice cream

My favorite flower is: Red rose

My favorite hobby is: Singing, performing and exercise outdoors

My favorite restaurant is: Market Street Grill, Zupas

A game I like to play is: volleyball, Frisbee, catch

The music I listen to most is: piano, jazz, anything happy and uplifting

My favorite thing to buy is: candy, clothes, home furnishings

A book I highly recommend is: The Power of Positive Thinking by Peale

A movie I watch over and over is: “Young Victoria” and “Pride and Prejudice”

A smell that makes me pause is: sandalwood, cinnamon or anything holiday

The city I would most like to visit is: Singapore or Florence, Italy

My favorite thing to do on a date is: play outside (e.g. volley ball, hiking, camping, bonfires, canoeing, sledding

The best vacation I ever had was: Hawaii with my husbands family or a cruise to Mexico with my family

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Cinderella – she is a selfless and giving person who works hard and doesn’t complain – she’s kind to everyone and is a good singer.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Play guitar, garden

What chore do you absolutely hate doing? Cleaning the blinds

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Exercise, do something fun with my husband

What do you think is your very best feature or characteristic? My kindness and desire to make people feel good about themselves

What is the "thing" you are most grateful for? My husband

 What is your dream vacation? Cruise with my husband – somewhere warm and beautiful and exotic

 What's the coolest thing you've ever done? walked 10 miles (5 each way) in the middle of the night in the dead of winter to the hot pots up in Spanish Fork Canyon and swam in them – I’ve never been so cold, tired, and starving – but was so fun

 How did you meet your husband? How did he propose? We met when I was working in the twilight zone at the BYU bookstore – he asked me for my number. He proposed to me in the yard of the house where I grew up – during sunset in a grove of fruit trees

 The best thing about being married is: never being lonely – always having someone to enjoy life with

What do you and your husband like to do together? – watch “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Avatar: the last Air Bender” and Studio C and Youtube videos of dogs and play outdoors and talk and cuddle J

What would be your perfect day? Play all day with my husband and family – outdoors, barbeques, playing sports, talking, playing with nephews, then having a bonfire at night.

What was the best advice you got/would give on marriage? - Happiness is a choice – and don’t focus on what your spouse is doing wrong (it’s easy to do)

What story does your family always tell about you? – I broke into a stranger’s home with a friend when I was four years old - we opened a can of paint that was in the home and started painting their unfinished basement.