Day Thirty-One

pray for everyone to find JOY

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I have enjoyed this month more than I expected. If you remember, it was supposed to be one of the worst Christmases ever because things were very hard this year. I have to admit, it was special for me to serve everyone and to feel a little closer to Christ.


I didn't find this idea by myself, I want to give credit to Danyelle from Dandee Designs with encouraging everyone to pass on kindness. She suggested all her readers follow along and I decided to write about my ideas and experiences as well.  I have loved finding ways to serve and forgetting myself. It's been great to even search for amazing pictures to put with my posts. I hope you my lovely readers have benefitted from this little project. 


Verily, I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, 
ye have done it unto me. 
Matthew 25:40


May we all remember this scripture.


I hope this New Years will bring you lots of JOY.

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Day Thirty

Send Happy Mail

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With finals and what little time we had to get ready for Christmas, it was impossible to get our Christmas cards out on time. This year, we're sending a little something for New Years instead. 

I love holiday cards and it's been my mom's tradition every year as long as I can remember. It makes her smile to know that I am following in her footsteps.

There's nothing that brings more joy to my heart than a letter from a dear old friend. 
~Lis

Day Twenty-nine

finish my husband's to-do list

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To be honest, I don't think anyone can finish someone else's to-do list because both lists keep growing. However, I might as well try as much as possible. As it says, "Rome wasn't built in a day."

Kevin does a lot for me and then some. I know you've heard me say it a lot, but I don't know what I'd do without him. I'm attempting to conquer some of the things he's been meaning to do so that this weekend, he can finally take a break. 

Keep Calm and Carry ON

Day Twenty-eight

write a note filled with appreciation

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There's nothing like receiving a little something with the words, "I need you and I appreciate you."

Every time we remember to say “thank you”, we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.

Day Twenty-seven

leave a generous tip

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Times are tough and money is hard to come by. When going out for something fun and special such as a meal out, why not make someone else's day?

It's the little things that we do each day that can keep Christmas alive all year through.

Day Twenty-six

Deliver flowers to someone who inspires me

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Flowers can cheer anyone up. They make a dull room look bright and cheery.

The beautiful smell can help us all be happy.

I love roses and daisies, especially gerber daisies remind me of an amazing someone because she loves them so very much.

“Happiness held is the seed; happiness shared is the flower”

Day Twenty-five

be with family all day long

A family picture from back in 2004.


We haven't changed too much.
Just added Jen and the girls and of course Kevin.


Soon to come, actual family pictures from this year of Christmas day. You'll get to see everything from both sides.


Don't forget to add all that yummy food.


I love family time, I wouldn't trade anything in the world for it. Make this time, family time.


"All hearts come home for Christmas."

Day Twenty-four

cheer up the sad and lonely

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It's a tradition in my neighborhood to take boxes full of treasures to widows all over the Salt Lake Valley. It's a great tradition to where everyone feels JOY.

Merry Christmas, this man is finally coming to town. Hope you've been good.

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Day Twenty-three

 let someone know they are loved

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'Tis the season of joy and love. We all need to be reminded that we are loved, always. 

Who do you need to tell or retell that you love them?

Every time we love, every time we give, 

it's Christmas.
~Dale Evans

Day Twenty-two

make some fun Christmas Treats

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This is the time of year to make treats and eat treats. What a fun tradition. Today, I had the pleasure of doing this with the Jones side of the family.

Lots of kids+chocolate+carmel=Lots of FUN!

It's a marshmallow world in the winter, when the snow comes to cover the ground, it's the time for play, it's a whipped cream day, I wait for it all year round.

~Dean Martin

Marshmallow World

Day Twenty-one

wait in line at the Post Office for someone else

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It may or may not be nice to stand in the long lines at the Post Office. But it has to be done! 

Oh the joy of the season! I always tell myself to think of the smiles that appear when a package full of treasures shows up on that person's doorstep.

"Be like a postage stamp, stick to one thing until you get there."

~Josh Billings

Day Twenty

Remember Dustyn

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Dear Dustyn,

It was about five years ago this time of year, right after my last final. I had made my way over to the institute building when I saw that you were calling. I sat down in one of my favorite spots in that building where it overlooks the entire valley. That day I was exhausted and in need of a pick-me-up. So thank goodness, it was you.

We talked for hours which seemed like minutes to me. I watched the afternoon sun to sunset. Since I was done with school for the semester, I had plenty of time and was soaking it in. I loved that phone call. What I remember most was talking about a dear friend of ours who we were both worried about. You wanted me to make sure to tell her that she was not alone. I promised, I did this for you and I still do this.

Then in your own sweet quiet way, you helped me. You gave me amazing advice on how I needed to stick up for myself and actually do what I wanted to do with my life. We talked about my thoughts on going on a mission and how it would be difficult. Well, it was difficult, with breakdowns, seizures and depression rolled into one, I'm happy to report that I finished it and served wonderfully in the Brazil Porto Alegre South Mission.

We talked about all the issues I had with the guys that I was dating. If only we knew that I would meet the love of my life two months after this conversation. It all worked out and thank you for reminding me to hold out for only the best. I honestly believe that you would love Kevin and be his best friend.

In the middle of the phone call you told me how much you loved me.  I responded and told you how much I love you and that I was grateful to have you as my friend. 

We made plans to get together later that week so I could give you and Matt your Christmas presents. I was thrilled.

You then told me again how much you loved me. I then said the simple words, "Love you Dustyn" and hung up the phone. 

That was the last time would ever speak to you. Some people regret the last words that they say to others but I will never regret it.

The day that we had talked about getting together, we were all there. It was your funeral. Amazing and funny stories were shared. Matt and your friends sang, "Lightly Beams Our Father's Mercy." And not the Eminem song you had requested because it wasn't appropriate in church (it would have scared your mom).

However, the next few days, I listened to an Eminem song on the radio that made me think of you.

"And when I'm gone, just carry on, don't mourn

Rejoice every time you hear the sound of my voice

Just know that I'm looking down on you smiling

And I didn't feel a thing

So baby don't feel no pain

Just smile back"

I haven't listened to the song in years now. You once told me that Eminem is misunderstood. Sad to say, I still don't understand and find their music to be too violent and harsh for my taste.

After your funeral, I never hung out with your friends again. They grew up and I changed as well. The only thing was that I hung out with your brother for awhile. He wanted to know more about you and I shared stories with him. It made him smile.  

So why am I remembering all of this now? It's because your baby girl finally turned 25 this year. Twenty-five is supposed to be the year that I learned and understood more. Matt and Jason were 25 when all of this happened and they told me that I would understand more about life. I have always thought about this. 

Do I know more? I will say that I have lived my life unlike some of the blonde girls they dated who only gave me pointers about how to do my makeup.

However, I feel that you would be so proud of me. I never lost my stubbornness and sweetness as you used to call it. I stick up for myself a lot more and make my own decisions. I respect my husband but don't stand behind him. I stand next to him. I served a mission just as I wanted to. I'm coming close to graduating and I never thought it possible. We're planning to have a family here soon and I have lost my first baby Gracie. Writing this though makes me a little jealous because you can hold her for me in heaven.

Almost every year since you left this earth (except for when I was in Brazil), I have gone to visit your grave. I leave a white rose somewhere nearby because the entire cemetery is covered in snow. It's the same this year too. It's beautiful and peaceful. I look up from my tears and see the beautiful temple. All good friends will see each other again.

This is the last year my rose will be there. We're moving to Arizona this coming year but I will forever remember your kindness and the time we had together.

Love always, 

Lis

Day Nineteen

put away all the clean dishes and wash the dirty ones without being asked

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It was a busy day at the Soules home. We had all gone to church together except for my dad who was singing this morning. When we came back, Kevin and I decided to make German Pancakes for everyone because we were starving. 

While we were baking the pancakes, my mom commented about the dishes. Wouldn't we all like a break from doing the dishes constantly? Well, it was her turn this afternoon. I put away and cleaned but after all that, the kitchen was once again dirty. Thank goodness super Daddy stepped in to finish the job! He just smiled when I claimed he had stolen my work. :)

I love my family.

Thank God for dirty dishes,
they have a tale to tell;
while others may go hungry,
we're eating very well.
~Author Unknown

Day Eighteen

Support my Daddy by going to the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert

I hate to admit it, but I didn't really want to hear the choir sing this year. Reason being was that they had the largest number of people request tickets this year. Over a million people requested tickets with only eighty-eight thousand people being able to attend each one. We even had neighbors begging my mom for tickets but she didn't receive that many as she did years past. I felt a little bad and had offered to give up our tickets for another family. However, when my dad heard about it, he was really sad and possibly a little disappointed. After that, I knew I needed to go to support him if anything. It really does help to know that your family is cheering you on (plus some 21,997 people because they all came too).

The crowds were enormous and I don't ever remember it being that crazy even for conference. Kevin agreed and we stood in the freezing cold looking up random facts on google from his phone. I'm glad that we didn't try to drive there and just took trax. Parking must have been a nightmare if you could find a spot. Luckily, my mom saved us seats and we were right up front.


Lloyd D. Newell the choir's announcer and gives the spoken word, came on stage and stated, thank you for coming with it being so cold outside and all the crazy parking. We know that all of you made an effort to be here tonight. Let me assure you, you're in for a real treat.


That did it for me, we were in for a treat. The concert began it was FABULOUS! Then again, it's 
always grand.


I tell everyone that Christmas really beings after the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert for 
several reasons:
1. It puts all of us in the Christmas Spirit.
2. My dad comes home after lots of rehearsals, recordings and concerts.
3. It means that my dad and I will take an evening to go Christmas shopping the next week. 
4. In my family, we start singing Christmas songs everywhere we go.
5. We have long discussions about guests from years past and then re-watch all of the concerts on DVD in the family room with hot chocolate and popcorn.


And did I mention again that we get our dad back? :)


We love having him sing in the choir and it has blessed our lives. However, it does take a lot of time and effort for a 360 member choir, an orchestra, a bell choir, Michael York and David Archuleta to put on such a big performance. Thank you.


I was touched by the story shared this year. It was about how the choir started and those early pioneers who never lost hope. I had no idea that the choir started as a Welsh choir who came all the way from England on a ship and then crossed the plains to Utah. They sang beautiful songs to guide them such as this one, "Guide us O Thou Great Jehovah, guide us to the Promise Land." 


I will make sure to post a video of it next year when comes out. In the meantime, look for Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with Natalie Cole that just came out. You'll love it and want to listen to it every year.


For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.
~Doctrine and Covenants 25:12

Day Seventeen

Play a game with my niece

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Last year Kevin and I bought Katelyn Don't Break the Ice. She loves that game although it took some persuasion because she begged to play the nintendo first. These old classic games have more interaction and enjoyment that the electronic ones can't bring. These games are more quality time together. 

After we started playing, she didn't want to stop.

The perfect family board game is one that can be played each time with fewer pieces.  

~Robert Brault

Day Sixteen

Take my amazing friend to the airport so she can be with her family for Christmas

It was a sad/funny/good moment. Sad because I had to say goodbye to my dear friend Zoe early this morning. Funny because she had so much stuff! Let's just say, we went shopping a lot. I'm so glad that we did though and I know she won't regret it. Poor Kevin came with us to the airport just to carry the bags. With four fifty pound bags, we needed the muscles. Thank goodness he's my CEO (Carry Everything Out). 

Leaving was completely different than arriving in Salt Lake. When Zoe arrived, she didn't have a single friend or knew anyone. She didn't even have any idea where anything was or where to go. All she knew was that she was going to school. It was tough. At least when I was in Brazil, someone always came to pick us up or find us. Sure, I didn't know where I was going and it always to a few days to adjust but I always had someone with me. 

For this reason alone, I know that Zoe CAN DO ANYTHING. She can make her way in a foreign country all by herself. All of us are going to miss her! But at Christmastime, the right place to be is home which is wherever your family may be.

I gave Zoe my I Can necklace for Christmas to remind her that she can do anything.

You can find this and other treasures here.

I'm going to miss my sweet friend. We've been on many fun adventures over the semester. I'm really glad that we had two classes together and were able to spend a lot of time together. It finally hit me today that Zoe was gone when I sat in her spot in Michelle's class. But our papers are turned in and finals are over! I'm cheering because Christmas can begin. I have a long list of things to do and people to see.


Zoe, I don't know what I'm going to without you next semester. Who's going to study with me at the coffee shop because my apartment gets to be claustrophobic sometimes? I'll miss those days. I hope you have the best Christmas ever and I'll see you somewhere down the road.

Last no makeup/early morning/up late studying (packing) tired picture at the airport.

We love you and will miss you!


In the quiet misty morning
When the moon has gone to bed,
When the sparrows stop their singing
And the sky is clear and red,

When the summer ceased its gleaming
and the corn is passed its prime,
When adventure's lost its meaning-
I'll be homeward bound in time


Bind me not to the pasture,
chain me not to the plow
set me free to find my calling,
and I'll return to you somehow.


If you find it's me your missing,
if you're hoping I'll return
to your thoughts I'll soon be listening
in the road, I'll stop and turn. 


Then the wind will send me racing,
as my journey nears its end,
And the path I'll be retracing 
When I'm homeward bound again. 


Bind me not, to the pasture,
chain me not, to the plow,
set me free to find my calling,
And I'll return to you somehow.


I'll return to you somehow.
~Marta Keen Thompson

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Day Fifteen

Take a friend to get their 

hair done

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My sister-in-law told me a hair horror story not too long ago. She had asked a friend where she could get her hair cut and it turned out horrible. They cut her bangs way too short and her hair was dyed much darker than she would have liked. I think I would have cried. But I also have plenty of hair horror stories that I could share. I'll save it for a later time. 

However, I did not want that happening to Zoe. I made sure that she was going to be given first class salon treatment at the right price. We headed over to the Landis Lifestyle Salon off of 9th East and 13 South, SLC. It's my favorite because with everything you get done they help you de-stress. Doesn't a shoulder and scalp massage sound nice to go with your hair cut? How about not paying extra for the service? I love it (especially after all those finals).

Zoe is now ready to head home to the UK all dolled up and relaxed. I'm not allowed to show pictures yet as she wants to surprise everyone back home. Come back on Friday. :) 

Come back on Friday and you'll see the dramatic change. She looks like a model.  

You're only as good as your 

last haircut.
~Fran Lebowitz

Day Fourteen

Help my mom deliver lots of neighbor gifts

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It's just another part of the tradition, getting lots of gifts for sweet neighbors. When we were kids, we used to all go together and carol our way along Bountiful Boulevard and up North Canyon, dropping off some little treasure at each home. We always had a great time and lots of treats from neighbors in our house too. 

Now that the Soules kids are all grown up, it's a little different. I think my parents delivered last year. It's not quite the same. When my mom asked if I would be her runner from the car today, I was delighted! Just think, those neighbors are going to be surprised to find a grown-up Lisa at their door. It will be fun and some may not even recognize me.

“There's more, much more, to Christmas Than candlelight and cheer; It's the spirit of sweet friendship That brightens all year. It's thoughtfulness and kindness, It's hope reborn again, For peace, for understanding, And for goodwill to men!”

~John Greenleaf Whittier

Day Thirteen

Hug a stressed college student

Laugh all you want, but today is National Hug a Stressed College Student. It's the first day of finals and to my fellow friends, "GOOD LUCK!"

You can guess who I chose to hug.

He had a huge math final this morning.

Hugs are the universal medicine.
 ~Author Unknown

Day Twelve

Share the joy of music and make a homemade breakfast

I had to make sure that Zoe had the chance to hear the choir sing. Kevin and I took her to see Music and the Spoken Word. It's absolutely beautiful and the longest running radio broadcast. Plus, in my family and many others, it's a tradition to listen to the choir every Sunday.

The choir is now singing in the Conference Center all of December. It's really something inside with all the decorations.

My Daddy on the second row. He was especially happy that we came to hear him sing.

The message was what I needed. I'd like to share it with you too and hope it will touch your heart as it did mine.

"During this season we celebrate "peace on earth,” yet some of us find it the most busy and stressful time of the year. We worry about decorations and decking the halls, gifts and gatherings—and the many other things we feel we need to do. And, very often, amid all the hustle and bustle, we have a quiet sense that we want to make our celebrations a little different, a little more meaningful than they have been in the past.

This year, rather than focusing on everything we need to do, let us consider what we can offer. Some offer talents in singing carols or playing musical instruments; others offer time as they visit loved ones and share memories of Christmases past. Some offer resources and labor, doing acts of service to help the less fortunate. No matter what our offerings are, if our intent this season is to make someone’s life happier, Christmas will be for us a time of peace and joy.

Children teach us much about making heartfelt offerings. Not long ago, a little girl stood to tell her class some sad news. Her grandmother passed away, and as she related details, she became overcome with emotion. Not able to say anything more, she walked toward her chair. A little boy got up from his chair and sat down beside her. Filled with compassion and a desire to make her feel better, he gave her the only thing he had: a little toy that he had smuggled into class. He did not pause to wonder whether it was good enough. He simply and selflessly gave from the heart.

Something deep and meaningful happens within us when we make such offerings. We feel connected to those around us. We feel a love that we may not have known we had—the love of that babe in Bethlehem, whose pure offering, given so long ago, still fills the earth with "peace, [and] good will toward men” (Luke 2:14)."

Me and Zoe by the tree at the Conference Center

I love this picture of the two of us. I'm going to miss her when she goes home this week.

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Those of you who really know me, I'm no cook which is a little sad. But I really wanted to make a nice breakfast because Kevin and I hardly have time to eat breakfast, let alone make it. Zoe came with us back to our little apartment and I made my favorite, french toast. Something interesting? People in England don't put syrup on french toast. It's not supposed to be sweet. Mine on the other hand, is supposed to be VERY sweet! 

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Along with our french toast, we watched The Bishop's Wife. What a fun classic, here Dudley (Carey Grant) shares a story with little Debbie.


"Singing loud for all to hear is the best way to spread Christmas Cheer!"
~Buddy, The Elf