2015 in Review

Looking back on 2015 it's kind of remarkable all that has happened!  In no particular order here are some of my adventures, highlights, and take-aways:

• I worked as an ordinance worker at the Salt Lake Temple.  Highlight!  Although I do appreciate a Saturday morning sleep-in or run or free weekend all the more now.  ;)
• I attended two new temples - Payson and Seattle.  Wonderful!
• I sang in three different choirs - ward choir, the Witness Music presentation of Rob Gardner's Lamb of God during Easter (really neat!!), and I was a part of the Salt Lake Temple Workers' Choir for the yearly devotional (incredible experience!)
• I bought a house!  Kind of exciting, kind of terrifying, very educational.
• I ran a marathon (my version of the Ogden Marathon which was more accurately two half marathons with a little drive in between) and two official half marathons (Big Cottonwood and Snow Canyon).
• I read a lot of books!  Some of my favorites:  Press On by Joseph B. Wirthlin; Return unto Me by Kerry Muhlestein; The Conservative Heart by Arthur Brooks; Essentialism by Greg McKeown; Gifts from the Sea by Anne Lindbergh; Truths Most Worth Knowing by Boyd K. Packer; Wonder by R. J. Palacio; Ezra Taft Benson: A Biography by Sheri Dew; The Wright Brothers by David McCullough; Power to Become by David A. Bednar; Teaching Your Children Joy by Linda and Richard Eyre; Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears
• I spent time with family!  Always a highlight!!!  We enjoyed a wonderful week together in Las Vegas at the pool and remembering to 'stay by the tree.'  I spent several Sunday evenings and Thanksgiving with extended family.  I visited St. George a few times and spent lots of quality time with my parents - they're pretty great!  I got to be hostess for a few family gatherings (thanks for coming, Josh and Kirsten!) and visited my sister's house more (she and her family really know how to be host(esse)s).  I loved being in Seattle for an extended Christmas weekend - highlight!  Washington is beautiful and meeting a new nephew is the sweetest and getting on an airplane at least once a year is a must!  Thanks, Matt and Megan!  :)
• I deepened relationships.  I learned a lot about who I am, what I'm looking for, having confidence, and getting to know and be inspired by good people in large and small ways.  Relatedly, I learned again the importance of being happy, being grateful, being open, being vulnerable.  I'm grateful for friends, friendships, relationships, and opportunities to give and grow.  Much more to learn!  ;)  
• I enjoyed opportunities to share and teach the gospel.  I watched three new members join the Church and saw part of their conversion as I had the chance to teach Gospel Principles for much of the year.  HIGHLIGHT!!  I love the simple gospel truths, the plan of salvation, and the chance to testify of Jesus Christ!  What it's all about!!!
• I enjoyed lots of BEAUTIFUL wildflowers, fall leaves, and sunsets while consistently hiking and enjoying being outside and appreciating our Heavenly Father's creations!  One of the ways I see and feel God's love!
• I have a renewed testimony of the importance of and gratitude for prayer, scripture study, studying the gospel of Jesus Christ, learning the words of the Prophet and Apostles and following in faith.
• I have a greater appreciation for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the hope and peace and joy and change it can bring!