T is for Twizzling.

In case you were wondering, I'm still grateful for things.

Twizzle

\twi'z-'l\, noun:

1. a subtle touch that signifies more than friendship

2. may be manifested through a hand nuzzle, particularly to the elbow region, or a finger scratch, particularly to one's knee cap.

3. an action often involving a foam finger* and/or face-to-foam contact.

verb:

1. to administer a twizzle to another person

*(specifically, this foam finger)

But really it's one of those things you just know when you see/experience it (like skittling maybe).

I don't really know how to define it.

I just know I'm grateful for it.

let it Snow!

One of my least favorite things in the world (besides waiting in lines) is being cold.

However, I do love the snow. At least while it is falling in those big, fatty flakes I can catch on my tongue and when it is still fresh and good to play in.

Things snow is good for:

Snowmobiling.

up to Lightning Peak

Building snowmen.

Most recently, with the sisters. Building a snowman that looks like Dad's passport photo.

Skiing.

I ski these days. I wouldn't necessarily say I'm a skiier, but...ok, maybe I will. I'm a skiier. Just not a good one. That would be Janna.

I figured I've lived in Utah for 7 years now, I may as well learn how to ski. Especially while I can take the class through BYU. Being a student is awesome. Anyway, such a good decision. I'm starting to get a glimpse of why people want to become ski bums.

And I find myself wishing it wasn't so warm for February (what has happened to me?) and wishing it would snow a foot. Or two. Quebes, does your rain dance work for snow?

And of course,

Battle sledding.

Changed my life. And changed the shape of my leg for about a year. Don't worry. That bump is 99% gone now. Thank you Logan and Klompers for a memorable snow season 2008.

RRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

As some good friends have often said, the time for thinking is over; the time for action is now.

So I will stop thinking about what I will post for the letter R and start posting.

I'm grateful for Repentance. Contrary to what I used to think as a kid, repentance is not a punishment; it's a blessing. By not repenting, we are only punishing ourselves, denying ourselves of blessings that God is just waiting to pour out upon us.

I loved Elder Andersen's talk in the last General Conference about repentance.

"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to 're-turn' toward God."

It's hard and it can be scary. And it's sometimes hard for me to remember that the Lord already knows how I feel, because He's already been there, for me (see A). And it's only through repentance that I will be able to be healed and be encircled in the arms of my Savior's love, which sounds pretty good to me.

So I'm going to go ahead and say it: worth it.

Quarterbacks.

I love BYU football. I really do. The BYU - Utah game 2006 was one of the more stressful days of my football watching life. It also provided one of the happiest moments of my football watching life. I can't describe it, but if watching clips of the last play of the game still takes your breath away like it does mine, then I don't have to.

or here's another one, with different commentary, which also fills me with joy. I couldn't pick just one.

...pause in the ABCs...

I saw this background today and knew Jill would love it. So, this one is a shout out to you Jill Pill.

Puppies!

Especially one puppy in particular: Brandi (1996-2009), may she rest in peace.

She was the best pet we ever had, and not just because she is the only pet we've ever had. She started out as a pet, but really ended up being our youngest sister.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who accidentally would mix up Laura and Brandi's names.

She started as an "outside dog" because my parents didn't really want a dog living in the house. That lasted one night. After that, the doghouse was really just a lawn ornament. The she was only allowed in the family room level of the house. A gate separated her from the rest of the house. Then she just wasn't allowed in the kitchen or bedrooms. But little by little, she took over the entire house.

She used to pretend she didn't like to wear hats, but she got used to it, and maybe even embraced it.

Last time I was home I found a mullet wig that was far too small to fit any normal human head (though it did look quite adorable on nephew Will). Sure enough, it was Brandi's. She had such a great sense of humor.

She loved playing outside, hated all other canines, and got uncontrollably excited whenever I was wearing anything remotely resembling athletic shorts or running shoes. She loved my dad, showing off her teeth, and staring at you with her soulful brown eyes anytime you went near the bread in the kitchen.

Favorite words: outside, bread, daddy, mommy, potty, car, walk.

She was so tolerant

...most of the time (exception: nee nee finglies).

Back in the Saddle Again with the letter O.

Ok, I was running low on ideas for this one.* So I stuck with a no-fail theme of: what do I find amusing? Because I am always grateful for a little amusement. And the O Answer is...onesies!

Exhibit A:

Some treasures Rach and I found at H&M in NYC. Please notice the top 5 features of Rachel's suit:

1. velour

2. belt

3. velour

4. long pants can be hitched up into capris

5. velour

Exhibit B:

One day Janna and her roommates at the time decided to all go buy the onesie footie pajamas and friend Mike decided to go along. Guess who was the only one to actually buy footie pajamas? Of course.

Exhibit C:

This little treasure (ok, fine, I'm bragging because I think it's cool) was hand stitched** by yours truly over the break, and is modeled here by the lovely new nephew, for whom it was created. Really the best part is the family brand (which is a "cross C," as opposed to a "plus C"--don't get it wrong; that's super embarrassing) on the lamb. What can I say besides awesome?

So. I am grateful for onesies and how they pop into my life from time to time.

*And once I skipped one or two days, it was so easy to skip one or two weeks. Slippery slope. My b.

**This process took much longer than expected, so I will partly blame my neglect of this list on the onesie. I wanted a picture of it to include. You're welcome. Also to blame is what else I was doing whilst stitching: watching Season 4 of The O.C. in its entirety in a time period too short for me to feel comfortable admitting. I may have hated on Season 4 a bit in the past (as did many others, as evidenced by the mid-season cancellation), but actually watching it kind of filled me with joy.

And a treat for those of you who read the footnotes (because the children of lawyers who do not read footnotes will STARVE!)...

The Rhino.