It's beginning to look a lot like . . .

A lot like Fall is shy in my neck of California. This week, the leaves have just barely started to turn and fall. It's like the trees are shy - they can't bear the thought of letting go of something so comfortable. It's like they're afraid they'll be good at it. So, while it's not:

Or:

Or even:

It's getting better. I'm retaining hope. I mean, in the trees' defense, the temperature hasn't really been cooperating. Temperatures in the 70s are not conducive to colorful leaves. Of course, there are perks to this warm spell . . . I still turn on the fan to sleep. I don't ever have to scrape ice from my car. I can still get some milage out of my sandals. 

However, deep in my soul, I really long for this:

When I say long for, I mean I ache for, crave, even give my eyeteeth for. Yup, I want it that bad. 

I guess what you really want to hear, rather than my ravings about the weather, is an update from the Hills. We're still here. Brent is working hard to finish out his quarter. Today was the last day of classes, so it's just finals from here. I must say, I am quite impressed of his hard work and dedication. I know he feels like school isn't his forte, but he's worked hard and that effort is paying off. Of course, I'd like to think that his success is partly due to his devoted and supportive wife, but I know I can't take any of the credit. 

I'm taking an unexpected hiatus from work for the next few weeks. It's a long story. I'm optimistic though - I mean, I have time (finally) to finish my thank you notes from the wedding (I know, for shame, they aren't done yet). I can get my house spotless before the holidays. Maybe I'll even decorate some. I can read a book. Or two. This may be a good break for me. Brent and I are still trying to work out a way to take another trip to Arizona. Things are looking good. 

In other news, I've been going to the chiropractor this last month or so to fix a few things. The first benefit of this decision is that, for the first time in the last 10 years, my jaw opens evenly. That's right, my chiropractor has been adjusting my jaw, which is resolving some of that TMJ I've suffered. (Yes, Stacey, that's TMJ, not TBI). The second wonderful benefit of this is that, in conjunction with fixing my vertebral and mandibular subluxation (also known as being adjusted), I've been seeing a personal trainer and I get a weekly massage. It's been wonderful! I really hadn't been a very good steward of this mortal frame I call my body. Yes, the road to physically fit has never looked so long or steep or riddled with potholes, but that may have been because I wasn't looking very closely at the road. It was enough for me before to walk to class and all over campus, play tennis on the weekend, and take an occasional dance or volleyball class in my college days. Not so these days. That's why I'm changing my tune. 

Live in Thanksgiving Daily

It's November! This means the air really starts to become crisp (in my desert home, that is), and my thoughts start turning to hearth and home. I long to be with my family and I feel the pull to be a domestic queen to get my home in order for the winter. I've yet to learn that balance: full-time employee and homemaker. I must say though, I'm making progress. 

This time of year always makes me think about being more grateful. I don't know what it is, maybe that holiday that comes at the end of the month. Whatever the case, I've decided this year to make my November theme: "Live in thanksgiving daily."

See, I was remembering a strengthening marriage class that my parents took once in which they had the assignment to think no negative thoughts for a whole day. Harder than it sounds. I thought to myself, "Self, I would love to be able to do that. I would love to be one of those people of whom it is said, 'She never said an unkind thing about another person'." It's right up there with, "She never uttered a word of complaint." Now, I know I'm human and as such, I am prone to the weaknesses of the flesh. That's why this effort for effectual change will start with practicing living in thanksgiving daily. I'm focusing on more fully developing graciousness. Wish me luck! 

To help me out, I will be studying much from the scriptures and the words of the living prophets. In the meantime, I think I'll share a thought or two about gratitude and my experiment here for you all to be uplifted by as well. 

Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for blessings or benefits we have received. As we cultivate a grateful attitude, we are more likely to be happy and spiritually strong. The Lord has promised, "He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious" (D&C 78:19). Gratitude is an uplifting, exalting attitude. People are generally happier when they have gratitude in their hearts. We cannot be bitter, resentful, or mean-spirited when we are grateful. 

Live with a spirit of thanksgiving and you will have greater happiness and satisfaction in life. Even in your most difficult times, you can find much to be grateful for. Doing so will strengthen and bless you.

We should be thankful for the wonderful blessings that are ours and for the tremendous opportunities we have. We can be thankful to our parents, family, friends, and teachers (and co-workers). We should express appreciation to everyone who has assisted us in any way.

We should thank our Heavenly Father for His goodness to us by acknowledging His hand in all things, thanking Him for all that He gives us, keeping His commandments, and serving others. We should especially thank Him for His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, for the Savior's great example, for His teachings, for His outreaching hand to lift and help, for His Infinite Atonement."

—See True to the Faith (2004), 78–79.

Alma 34:37-38

37 And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God, and that ye should no more deny the coming of Christ;

  38 That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.

Halloween with the Hills

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be home with my sweet husband on Halloween this year. I went to Utah to help my sister-in-law get her wedding dress. It was a fast but wonderful trip. I'm glad I got to see my brother and his wife, as well as some dear friends. I don't think Brent minded my absence too much as he had mountains of homework to finish. 

Lest you think we're complete holiday duds, here are a few pictures from the month - house decorations, fun munchies, and costume parties. Enjoy!

In Utah: this is my brother decorating cookies! He came dressed up as Mr. Rogers, but apparently lost his cardigan sometime before this. 

Can you guess who he is? Let me sing a song to help you out: "Johnny Lingo had a cow, trade it for an ugly wife . . . " Let's just say, once again, Brent was pretty pleased with himself. :)

I Vote Yes!

Why I Support Prop 8

In California, up for election is the issue of a Constitutional Amendment on Marriage, defining it as being between one man and one woman. Some may ask, "why the need for such an amendment?" The need is to prevent Activist Judges will not overturn the current law on homosexual marriage, and thus take from us our basic right of religious freedom. I have heard that this stance is a scare tactic, however, this has already happened, such as when adoption agencies are required, against religious principles, to allow gay parents to adopt a baby, homosexual curriculums are required to be taught in schools, and religious leaders are forced to perform such marriages regardless of their convictions, or lose tax exempt status.

Democracy means that the majority rules, not that the minority overturns the basic rights of everyone. Yes, the minority must be protected, but nobody's beliefs must be forced on the public, as in this case. 

I also feel that it is a moral issue more than a civil rights issue. God, who has commanded, "Thou shalt not steal" wants us to be compassionate of the one who chooses to steal, but by rehabilitation, not by aiding the person to steal more. Likewise, He who has commanded similarly against homosexuality, wants us to have compassion on the one who chooses that lifestyle, with help to overcome, not aid to increase such. Same gender attraction must be a great challenge to live with, deserving counseling and much prayer. 

The Savior loved all people, but He did not condone sin. "Go thy way and sin no more" he told the woman taken in adultery, not "Oh well, it's okay." Anyone who believes the bible to be the word of God should know of His abhorrence of that great sin of immorality, lust, and homosexuality: "In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves..without natural affection, ...despisers of those that are good" (2 Tim. 3:2). "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature; And likewise the men, leaving the natural use of the woman,.. men with men working that which is unseemly," going on to say the judgments of God against such (Romans 1:26-32).

Tolerance for homosexuals is not the same as tolerance for those of another race. Our society wants us the think of Gay Rights as being just like Civil Rights. Our kids are being taught to not be prejudiced, however, it is not the same. While those of a particular race did not choose the color of their skin or their race, gays and lesbians choose whether or not to act out on temptations and tendencies that they feel. We look with compassion upon them, yes, just as we do someone who has acted out a drive for crime, but we do not condone, nor do we force it upon society.

Come to 'Zona, Come to 'Zona!

This dear, sweet, wonderful, thoughtful, charming man is my husband. He surprised me with a long-stemmed red rose tonight. For no reason at all. I love that man!

This same wonderful man took me to Arizona for the weekend last weekend to visit my family (and his brother). I know it was a sacrifice of his time, but I was ever so grateful!

(Arizona or bust!)

This is my brother, Devon. Devon just returned home from serving a mission for our Church in Boise, Idaho. He hadn't met my husband yet, and we figured it was time they became acquainted. 

While we were home, we enjoyed many various pursuits. Just to name a few. . . 

• Visited John (Brent's older brother) and his friend Chantelle (sorry, friends, I don't have a good picture of you, thus, your smiling faces are not featured here)
• Brent and I doubled with the newly-returned missionary. Cafe Rio and goofy golf - it doesn't get much better than that. Jill discovered that Devon wasn't the only funny member of the Johnson clan.

• Visited the Mesa temple with Brent, John, and Chantelle (I love that place! I love those people!)
• Much singing and laughing (here's just an taste)
• Combat Yahtzee (a Hill tradition to which I say: SEVEN!! SEVEN!! SEVEN!!)
• Bahama Bucks 

We had a wonderful time!!

Here's a story I just have to share. My charming husband gave my mom quite a start. She came out Sunday morning to this:

See, when Brent woke up, the showers were all occupied as everyone was getting ready for Church. So, he decided to go eat breakfast in all his towel-ed glory in order to not waste any time . . . Unfortunately for Mom, she didn't see the towel and jumped to awkward conclusions about her son-in-law. 

I wish I could have been in the room to witness the scene. My brothers say they've never seen Mom blush like that. 

In other news . . . 

This lovely couple just announced their engagement. I couldn't be happier for them!

Slower than a box of Grapenuts

Interestingly, this phrase describes a situation not singular to my family. I have a dear friend and former roommate who had a similar childhood tradition. 

Let me explain: when we were younger, my mom invariably kept a box of Grapenuts with all the other cereals. I recognized a trend over the years. Honey Bunches of Oats would come and go, but Grapenuts were eternal. The same box lasted forever! In my friend’s family, they had to finish the box of Grapenuts before their mom would by a new tasty cereal. Thus, waiting for an anticipated event seemed like eternal torment because time would pass slower than that box could be consumed. Like I said, eternal torment. 

Well, my dear brother, Devon came home from his mission last Thursday. We opted to journey to the land of infernal heat (a.k.a. Arizona) the weekend he was speaking in Church rather than the day he got home. It just worked out better that way. But, I tell you what, this week has passed slower than a box of Grapenuts! 

Welcome home, Devon!