Busy

I've been quite busy lately, so I haven't added much, but I figured I'd take just a moment tonight to jot some things down even though it's WAY past my bedtime.

I've been working with my class on our production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". It's coming along quite well, but I wish we had 2 more weeks. We do not. Our dress rehearsal is Thursday and our performances start Monday. Yikes! Oberon and Puck still don't even have their lines memorized! I'm considering drastic measures, like wiring Oberon and feeding him his lines. I'm serious. I just might do it! Not everything is so desperate though. I do have to say the costumes are going to look great. And Titania's bower is very cool. I've created it out of my purple beanbag and this gauzy canopy I own. Very magical.

Also at work, we have had a guest artist coming in to work with the kids. Arlo Johnson comes just about every year to teach the kids about art and do some drawing and painting with them. He's a nice guy and makes it fun for them.

I have just two more weeks of grad school this semester, so I am working to complete my final projects. I'm getting close.

Emery's birthday is this Sunday. We're having a party at our house on Saturday evening - BBQ, S'mores, Karaoke. Anyone who wants to come, just email me and I'll add you to the evite.

That's it for now. I am really tired. I have to work tomorrow and then I'm going to the temple in the evening. And somewhere in there I really need to call my mommy back.

Goodnight!

LDS General Conference

The 178th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints was held Saturday and Sunday. Emery and I were able to attend the Saturday morning session of Conference where we were able to participate, along with church members world-wide, in the sustaining of President Thomas S. Monson as the president of the Church.

We continued to be uplifted and instructed in the all of the conference sessions. Following are highlights from two talks given in the last session. There were, of course, so many talks that were wonderful. The transcripts and video of General Conference will be available soon on the Church website. I strongly recommend you take time to watch, listen to, or read the talks that were given, particularly the address by President Monson during the Sunday morning session.

Continuing Revelation
Elder Hollan

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a Christian church.
We believe in the Godhead as three separate beings.
We believe in continuing revelation and guidance from God.
These differences from Protestant Christian churches does not mean we are not Christian. On the contrary, these beliefs are what the scriptures and Jesus himself taught.

Meaningful Prayer - Ask in Faith
Elder Bednar

How can we have more effective prayers?

Act upon the things you have asked of Heavenly Father.
Act, don't just express.
Pray for discernment and for our eyes to open to what the Lords would have us do.
Pray for the strength to act as we know we should.

Dispute not because ye see not.
Don't lose faith just because you don't see answers right away.
Answers may not come in the way and the time frame we expect.

Recognize and accept the will of God in our lives.
"Let thy will be done."
Pray for understanding the Lord's will.
Pray for help in surrendering our will to God's will.

Big Announcement!

I'm engaged! Yes, it's true! I know, I know. You are all saying, "What? I didn't even know you were dating someone!" Well, I admit it has been a bit of a whirlwind. I never thought I would be someone to fall in love so quickly, but... what can I say?

"So who is this guy?" That's your next question, right? Let me introduce you to my fiancé:
His name is Steve Rossi, but everyone just calls him Rossi. He's tall, and I think he's terribly handsome. (I'll post a picture at the end of this post.) We met in grad school in August, so we've known each other for just over 7 months. It wasn't really until the last couple of months that we started to get more serious. But once we did, things just clicked!

Rossi and I have a lot in common. For one thing, he is a teacher. (I know. I never planned on marrying another teacher. But, again, what can I say? When you're in love... ) He actually teaches math and psychology at the high school just a few blocks away from my house. He's funny and talkative and loves to laugh -- just like me!

In other ways, though, I think our relationship is a case of opposites attract. Rossi is a bit irreverent at times. :) Anyone who know me is aware that I'm fairly conservative when it really comes down to it. He says that I am a good influence on him and that his job is to make me loosen up. It's a good combination.

Ok, well that's all for now. I'll be sure to give everyone more details soon. And as soon as we have a date I'll post it so everyone can plan on being at the wedding. We're thinking we'll get married in San Diego, but we'll have some sort of open house or reception here too. Rossi says he's always wanted to have a reception at the Wheeler Family Farm. I hope he's kidding... :)

I am so excited and happy!