26 August 2010

28


i thought, since this is going to be the best year yet, i wanted to kick it off right.
recently, i've had a goal to experience new things especially pertaining to arizona.
so, jeff and i took some good friends out to a new-to-us mexican joint.
DELISH!

(friends)

after dinner we dared mill ave for a dueling piano bar.
this dude called me up to stage where jeff joined me and we boogied to the hokey-pokey. all of our requested got played and the musicians were great.

no birthday is complete without a birthday song by the little ones.

22 August 2010

my heart is expanding

yesterday was my birthday.
i turned 28.
i awoke feeling incredible.
28 is going to be a good year.
in-fact, i decided that it's going to be my best year yet.
not sure why or how 28 is going to be different,
but i can just...feel it. in my bones.

right in the middle of my day yesterday,
on my birthday, i attended a funeral for these
two sweet twin girls:



Taylor and Emma are their names.
they shared a seven-chamber heart and stole the heart of
my community and all those who knew of them.
at the funeral i was inspired, saddened, up-lifted, filled with
hope, felt love, and my testimony was strengthened.
i was touch by words that were shared and the
beautiful musical talents shown.

two things though...
two things were imprinted on my heart.
(excuse me if i begin to ramble now)

1. the final speaker shared with us two familiar stories from the Bible: the first being of the death and resurrection of Lazarus. the second being the death of John the Baptist and subsequently the Sermon on the mount, finishing with the miracle of the fish and bread.
from the first story we read that once Jesus heard of Lazarus' death He wept. even Jesus, the perfect man. the same who had perfect faith and knowledge of the plan wept and felt the sorrow of a loss. the same who, once at Lazarus side, raised him from death, cried as we do. Powerful for me.
the second story began with Jesus learning of the death of his dear cousin John. here we read that Jesus desired to be alone and began to ascend a mountain for solitude. he was followed by multitudes of people that desired to be with him. Jesus' disciples began to turn them away, but Jesus allow the people to follow. He then taught them and blessed them, and healed the sick. all this done as he was mourning his loss. later, he preformed the miracle of the bread and fish. service and love in the midst of trial. Powerful.

2. the parents of the twins (who btw are pillars of light) shared a phrase to describe, in-part how they are feeling: "My heart is expanding". they spoke of the love they feel and how they feel as though the Spirit is making their hearts grow.
for me, this means that one can feel more intensely the love that the Savior has for us, and that we being to understand the plan more fully. in turn this allows us to love others with a more pure, sweet, and raw love like He loves us.

my testimony is stronger now than when i was 27.
my birthday wish this year is to have an ever expanding heart.
it's going to be a good year. 

12 August 2010

my dad turned 60


all the sibs got together with most of the families to
surprise dad for a fun filled weekend.

on friday we had a wonderful dinner and fun with cousins.
(warning: you may get motion sickness)


summer utah 2010 from Alisha on Vimeo

on saturday we presented dad with a book of memories.
we then preceded to make more memories as we spent
the day at Deer Creek.
(yep, that's dad and mom on a jet ski)
we also rented a couple kayaks for our paddling pleasure.
the party was a success.
love you dad.
happy birthday.

(on a side note: i've always thought these two were twiners.
my thoughts are unchanged)