Christmas : Hope

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

Well it is currently 2:23am on December 25th 2012. What a great day. However I am currently at work trying to stay awake. I write this post in my onesie with some hot chocolate beside me. If I have to work- at least I'm comfy :) This past week has been a beautiful one. On Friday December 21st 2012 the world did not end- instead for me it was kinda like my first day of forever. I was able to attend the temple for the first time since I was 17. Now don't sit there thinking I've been living a life of sin for many years, but I'm not perfect- never proclaimed to be. But I had made some choices that my Heavenly Father would not have appreciated. I'm sure there were many times He sat there sighing at me thinking "Jane what are you doing?!" Also- there have been times I've just been too busy to go. We booked the Temple for 5pm and got there right on the dot- I honestly thought we would be late because Calgary traffic is the stupidest thing. I don't remember all the names I did, however I am hoping that after my time in this life an Aida, Marie and Flossy will introduce themselves to me. I was especially thankful that my mother was able to take time out of her day working at the temple to come and watch and support me. It was a big deal for me to be there and I have made a plan to go twice a month for baptisms. If you would like to join me- let me know :)
Saturday I went back to the temple as my friends Cassidy and Tracey were sealed with their baby girl Charlee as a family for time and all eternity. Ooooo how happy I was for them. They have worked harder than most people I know and I can't express how proud I am that they made it! They just better be there when it's my turn :). They were the happiest I have ever seen them and watching them become an eternal family makes me strive even harder for me. Thank you Tracey and Cassidy for being that example to me. You made it :)

Christmas really is a time for joy. However this is my first Christmas that I've had to work, and being here with youth who have nowhere to go really makes  you even more thankful for what you have. When I finish work tonight I shall be driving to see friends and family, eat delicious food and get to open a present or two. Sadly for many of the youth I work with it shall consist of sleeping in as late as they can. Getting up and opening a prezzie (we try and get them all something, also people are awesome and donate) and then getting on whatever coat they can find and go outside. They hate to stay in because it reminds them they have no one to be with besides staff so many take to the streets. I always knew there were people who had it rough, but witnessing it first hand it tough. We do provide them with a Christmas dinner but for many they will either be too high or drunk to come home. For them this is a reminder that they don't have a family anymore. I do all that I can but sometimes it doesnt feel like enough. All I can hope is that I managed to make them smile even for just a little bit. I urge everyone strongly to be thankful for all that you do have. Spend some time with your loved ones a little longer, let them know you care. Remember that for some this is the most wonderful time of the year- whereas for some this is a reminder that they are alone.

I'm currently listening to my favourtie Christmas song. So beautiful. "A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices...Fall on your knees"

Glee- O Holy Night

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. I hope that you take sometime to read the Nativity story with your loved ones. I hope you take some time to tell them you love them. I hope you take the time to help someone in need. I hope you go out of your way to make someone smile. For Christmas I'm praying for a little more hope for us all. :)

-Stay Beautiful xoxo

O and here are a few pics from my week :)

Christmas eve with Izaac

Kenna and Izaac holding Eva

Beautiful Bride Tracey and me and b!

Onesies with Allie

Jessica my beaut and me :)

Creepy rabbit

Ashley being a creepy rabbit!

Hello temple :)

Just chilling with my name sake Eva-Marie Jane :)



Gonna regret this one...

Last week was kind of a blur. Do you find yourself missing out on days because you're so busy. I've never thought about it before but seeing as Christmas seems to be passing me by I'm feeling sad that there are days where I dont get any down time. Instead it's all go go go. Take last week for instance. We had the "Fishmas Christmas" Christmas party. People showed up and had a great time- filled with wonderful food, gingerbread house competetions, slideshow, karaoke, Santa, Grinch and the Elves even made an appearence. However I'm not gonna lie it was hard for me to enjoy. This past week I not only was sick and yet stilll working ( hell on earth I tell ya ) but I was  also trying to get everything prepared. Running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. I know I have commitee. And they are wonderful and helpful to the fullest. Sadly I'm the type of person who always feels guilty when asking for help, and when I'm offered it, I cant accept it. Gah. Kill me now. It's something I need to get over and start taking people up on all the help I can get. Thankfully some people did come and help out and I wish I could express to them over and over again how much it helped me. They were wonderful.
Anyways, while at the party I was so concerned about being the perfect "hostest" that I didn't even get to eat more than 6 bites of my meal. I was always checking to see that eveything was running smoothly. Yet as I sit here and write about it, I am thankful it went so well. Even more thankful that it's over.

Here is the kicker of the week: Dating.

Being a 24 year old single mormon girl is tough. I know people will sit there and say "O but you're so young, you'll find someone one day, he's out there blah blah blah" I don't care. It still sucks. Nothing worse than watching an 18, 19 or 20 year old meet and marry someone to make you feel like you're being passed over like yesterdays news. Lets begin shall we. Why is it so dang easy for me to get a non mormon guy  but not the one you dream of marrying when you're that 12 year old just entering young womens. I know this may sound weird but the number of dates with mormon guys this past yeat : 3. Number of dates with the non mormon guys :  6. Wow even just writing those numbers down makes me feel sad. 9 dates, 9 nights out of a whole year was spent with a guy who was slightly interested in me. Even if it was just for an evening. I'm just tired of waiting. I'm tired of stupid boys. I'm tired of not feeling special to someone. I'm a freaking catch. Not wanting to sound big headed. conceited or anything like that but I know I have something to offer. I guess I'm just tired of playing the wating game. Even more tired of feeling like crap because it's almost like I need a guy to validate who I am. Bahhh. Saddest part is, I KNOW I'm not the only one who feels this way. My advise to the guys ( if any are even reading this, if you are and havent clicked away yet thinking I'm a crazy person, fist pound right there!!) Be a man, grow a pair and start asking girls out. Stop making us cry. Stop making us feel worthless.  On another note- just cuz I'm not married yet-please people who are, I'm sick and tired of the whole you trying to give relationship advise, making me feel inferior because I'm not married with the condesending way you talk to me. It's getting annoying. If I want your opinions and such- I'll ask. Chances are I won't.


Wow even as I read over it I sense how harsh I'm sounding, but this is my blog and I can say what I feel.

In other news. It's official. I'm working EFY Calgary Canada 2013!!!!!! I am very excited and Scott Navratil will be my Co-Coordinator. I have worked with him a few times and really look forward to working with him this summer. It's going to be so much fun and the work begins for it now!!!

Here are some photos of my past week. Me and my girls did our Christmas gift exchange which was a blast- I always treasure the moments we get together. Went out with my two sisters also for food and dancing with is always a good time. Also, got to sing in the Christmas Concert with the Institute Choir- lots of fun and a hilarious video of me and my friend Lucas joking around pretending to be opera singers.

Hope you all have a good week and can forgive me for my rants haha

One moose mug :)

and another! I love them both!

This is Ashleys reaction to her gift. Hilarious!

-Stay Beautiful xoxo

If I ever get the nerve to say "Hello" in this cafe...

Marry Me - Train

Forever can never be long enough for me
To feel like I've had long enough with you
Forget the world now we won't let them see
But there's one thing left to do

Now that the weight has lifted
Love has surely shifted my way
Marry Me
Today and every day
Marry Me
If I ever get the nerve to say "Hello" in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm

Together can never be close enough for me
Feel like I am close enough to you
You wear white and I'll wear out the words I love you
And you're beautiful
Now that the wait is over
And love and has finally shown her my way
Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say "Hello" in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm

Promise me
You'll always be
Happy by my side
I promise to
Sing to you
When all the music dies

And marry me
Today and everyday
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say "Hello" in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Marry me
Mm-hmm

Marry Me- Train

Friends, these are the lyrics one of my best friends danced to this Friday December 7th with her new husband. To say it was a beautiful wedding is an understatement. The bride, Lanae, was dressed in a beautiful gown (one of my favourites from the store) that she then custom built upon to make it modest for the temple. Her hair was curled and big and her make up was flawless. The flowers, the decorations, the cake- all sensational. The groomsmen were as handsome as can be and of course us bridesmaids looked gorgeous! They were sealed in the Calgary Alberta Temple and being able to sit inside and wait for them (i'm not endowed yet so I couldnt witness the actual sealing) was still amazing. It felt like I was coming home. If I ever get married (O pleeeeease say I will!!) and I cant have a desitination wedding (o how I wish!) I thinkg that Calgary is the temple I would choose, It was wonderful. I love how it overlooks the city and the mountains, plus I could get ready in my own home and sleep in :)   Now I've been a bridesmaid in many weddings (this was my 9th to be exact) and I love it each time, however this was different. This was the first time I've been a Maid of Honour. Not a whole lot of difference but I had to give a speech. Talk about nervous!!! You're up there infront of all these people and you know a handful of them. The whole time I'm trying to hold my paper, not fall over from shaking in my heels, hold a glass and not cry- while trying to be funny, sentimental and not stutter your words. It's hard work!! I am thrilled I got to be there for Lanae and Trevor and share that special day with them. As I said in my speech "May your love be modern enough to survive the times and old fashioned enough to last forever".

Here are just a few shots of the day (not good quality-from the phone)

-Stay Beautiful xoxo

Hello. How are you? My darling, today?

Hello. How are you? My darling, today?

ahh been listening to this song all morning. No reason, just a very cute song.

I do adore

Happy Friday. It's the last day of November and I've been recapping my month. Here are some things I have been thankful for this part month.

1. Having a gorgeous new niece join our family. Wow are are ever blessed.
2. Visiting the temple. Nothing like being reminded of how much our Heavenly Father loves us.
3. Moved into my new place with Katie- so far having so much fun :)
4. Christmas Decorations are up! Tis the season :)
5. Car is all fixed thanks to my amazing father :)
6. Hanging out with old friends. Some things never change :)
7. Naps. Believe me I am thankful for those!
8. Help. It's not easy for me to ask for help. But with the Fishmas Christmas Party around the corner I have needed it!
9. Those random moments when someone lets you know that you're on their mind. Thank you!
10. Music. How thankful am I to be given opportunities to develope my talent and love of music.

Things I'm ready to say goodbye to.

1. Movember. Seriously guys- it's not hot.
2. People who are negative at those who start celebrating Christmas in November. Get over it. Have the Christmas spirit all year long.
3. STUPID CAR INSURANCE!
4. STUPID PHONE COMPNAY!
(Seriously had an awful weekend with those two. Must have been a full moon with my bank or something)
5. Those last 10 pounds. Starting my 30 day challenge tomorrow...eeeek!!

I hope everyone has had a great November. Hope December treats you well!

-Stay Beautiful xoxo

Trimming the tree, Eva's Blessing

What a weekend. Well my friends we ended up putting up our Christmas decorations this weekend!! Me and the roomie went to Wal-Mart to buy our tree and couldn't wait to get home and put it up-which we did right away. I love it :) Our house is starting to feel more like a home, yay! On Sunday Eve-Marie, my new and adorable niece got blessed in our family ward- Parkland. How thankful am I for a Father who honors his Priesthood and was able to give that precious girl a blessing. He was beaming with joy as he showed her off. He truly is a proud Grandpa with all the kids. There was one thing in her blessing that really stood out to me. A few years ago I got a blessing myself, and although I shall not repeat the line that was given to me, it stuck out to me a lot and I've always remembered it. In her blessing, the same line was given. Now maybe it's just fluke or whatever, but it make the tears start flowing thats for sure. Eva, I am so thankful you have been sent to our family. I hope I can be the Auntie you need and look up too.

Here are some photos from my weekend.

-Stay Beautiful xoxo

Best Moose Christmas picture EVER!

Our pretty fireplace :)

Ben being a sardine. Ben, thank you!

Eva-Marie Jane Walsh- smiles for Auntie :)

Katie unpacking the tree

balls, balls everywhere!

Trimming the tree

finishing touches

Merry Christmas from 2145

It's Friday!!!!

Phew! It's finally Friday! Thank goodness, what a long week it's been. So far this week has consisted of work, getting settled in my new place and singing. The Calgary Institute Choir is holding our Christmas Concert "Jesus Christ is born" on December 16th 2012 at the North Stake Centre- you are all invited. Me and 3 friends got together to put together a version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". Let me tell you it's be tough as there is no sheet music for it besides as a solo, so we've been putting our own spin on it as best we can. I feel that it will be AMAZING once we are done with it :)
How thankful am I that this beautiful Christmas season is upon us. Yes I know it's only November but Christmas only comes once a year and I am going to milk it for all it's worth. My Christmas baking and decorating the house starts tomorrow-I AM SO EXCITED! It will be a delightful time with the roommate Katie and I believe that yes Christmas Sweaters will be worn :) If you are bored and wish to stop by please feel free too!

Here is just a few things I've been up to this week. Have a great weekend homies!

Found this old picture from Rachael and Brants wedding. I look good if I do say so myself!

Mary-Clare and Brad got back from Europe. Bought me back some of my favourite treats :) Thanks!

 

Just another work day.

How to eat a Jaffa cake- Yes I got given Jaffa Cakes...o to have a bit of home!

- Stay Beautiful xoxo