My Favorite Books

My favorite book series to read (even more than Harry Potter, shockingly enough) is The Betsy-Tacy Books by Maud Hart Lovelace. There are 13 books in the complete series. I have read each one as of this week, and I am enchanted by them. Lovelace was born in 1892 and while she told her daughter of the stories of her childhood, she came up with this series. It is based on her life. I love to look back, as I read them, and see what it was like to live in those times. The first 4 books are wonderful for younger children. She starts the first book at the time when she turned 5 years old, the very last, Betsy's Wedding, ends when she is 25 years old. I urge everyone to read these books! When I read them, I am caught up in Betsy's world like I am really there. I laugh out loud many times, and Seth looks at me funny, but I don't care. I cry with Betsy and I rejoice in her triumphs. Although the books are considered fiction. They are very real to me. What a blessing it is to be able to read!

2 Year Anniversary

Yes, I know. It's been a while. Maybe it would be a more realistic goal for me to post every 2 weeks. Well, Seth and I are doing fine. Yesterday we had dentist appointments. The hygienist practically ripped our gums up. After she was done scratching and scraping, she flossed my teeth as if she were trying to saw down a tree. "Most people are too easy on their gums. It's OK if you see blood..." "Hmm," I thought "Will I have any blood left in my body after this appointment is over?" At least she was friendly though. Our dentist is the nicest lady. I like here a lot because she is so personable, and she explains everything to you so that it will actually help you. Seth hadn't been to see the dentist in 6 years! So, I said that not we have dental insurance, that he would be going every 6 months for a check-up. It was amazing that he lasted 6 years without going to the dentist, and only had 2 small cavities! Wagner genes are practically invincible! I hope our gets get all of Seth's health genes.

Then we had eye exams. Seth's eyes were fine, but they said that if he wanted glasses, he would have the very slightest prescription possible. So we had a good time picking out glasses with each other. It kind of felt like a fashion show to me. Then ladies who worked in the store came over to start giving their opinions. It was funny. So when we get our glasses, I'll have to post some pictures of what we picked.

On Tuesday, February 3rd, We had our 2 year wedding anniversary. We went out to Olive garden to celebrate. I love Olive Garden food. Yum!

When we got home, we continued our tradition of reading our journals aloud from the important days of our story together, like when we decided to get married, and our wedding day, etc. When I read our accounts of the night we had our first kiss and decided to get married, Seth finally conceded to the fact that he broke my heart when he changed his mind less than a month later, and then it took him a few more months to get his head on straight and ask me to marry him. We're both glad he did. It is wonderful to be married. It's good to write in a journal too. I don't know why I've stopped doing it everyday like I used to, but I have started it up again, and I'm planning not to miss a day for the rest of my life (give or take a few days.)

This is what President Spencer W. Kimball has to say about it.

"On a number of occasions I have encouraged the Saints to keep personal journals and family records. I renew that admonition. We may think there is little of interest or importance in what we personally say or do—but it is remarkable how many of our families, as we pass on down the line, are interested in all that we do and all that we say.

Any Latter-day Saint family that has searched genealogical and historical records has fervently wished its ancestors had kept better and more complete records. On the other hand, some families possess some spiritual treasures because ancestors have recorded the events surrounding their conversion to the gospel and other happenings of interest, including many miraculous blessings and spiritual experiences. People often use the excuse that their lives are uneventful and nobody would be interested in what they have done. But I promise you that if you will keep your journals and records, they will indeed be a source of great inspiration to your families, to your children, your grandchildren, and others, on through the generations. Each of us is important to those who are near and dear to us—and as our posterity read of our life’s experiences, they, too, will come to know and love us. And in that glorious day when our families are together in the eternities, we will already be acquainted.

From time immemorial the Lord has counseled us to be a record-keeping people. Abraham had a book of remembrance, and Adam had one. You may think of them as not being as highly educated as we are, but they were well-trained people. Adam spent much effort being the school teacher for his children. He and Eve taught their sons and daughters. He taught them the gospel in their home evenings, and he taught them reading and writing and arithmetic. And they kept their books of remembrance. How else do you think Moses, many hundreds of years later, got the information? These records had been kept, and he referred to them and got the history of the world, which wasn’t in any library other than that. Can you see your responsibility?

You should continue on in this important work of recording the things you do, the things you say, the things you think, to be in accordance with the instructions of the Lord. Your story should be written now while it is fresh and while the true details are available.
Your private journal should record the way you face up to challenges that beset you. Do not suppose life changes so much that your experiences will not be interesting to your posterity. Experiences of work, relations with people, and an awareness of the rightness and wrongness of actions will always be relevant. Your journal, like most others, will tell of problems as old as the world and how you dealt with them.

Your journal is your autobiography, so it should be kept carefully. You are unique, and there may be incidents in your experience that are more noble and praiseworthy in their way than those recorded in any other life.

What could you do better for your children and your children’s children than to record the story of your life, your triumphs over adversity, your recovery after a fall, your progress when all seemed black, your rejoicing when you had finally achieved? Some of what you write may be humdrum dates and places, but there will also be rich passages that will be quoted by your posterity.

We hope you will begin as of this date. If you have not already commenced this important duty in your lives, get a good notebook, a good book that will last through time and into eternity for the angels to look upon. Begin today and write in it your goings and your comings, your deeper thoughts, your achievements, and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies. We hope you will do this, our brothers and sisters, for this is what the Lord has commanded, and those who keep a personal journal are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives."

This is the link to find the full article.

Spencer W. Kimball, “President Kimball Speaks Out on Personal Journals,” New Era, Dec 1980, 26
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=f5f3ba9ff599b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
After reading this, and the talk Henry B. Eyring, “O Remember, Remember,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 66–69

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=88562bce258f5110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

I decided that I was going to take that counsel and write in my journal to remember what the Lord has done for me. I want to write it for me, and for my family. I know that it will help me to know myself, and the Lord better, and see His hand in my life. I want my posterity to have those blessings as well. I want them to know how in love Seth and I are; I want them to know how we worked out our trials with the help of the Lord. I want them to know of our faith in the Lord. I know it is great to have a blog and post pictures, but I can't say all that is in my mind and put it up on the internet. We all have thoughts, feelings and experiences that are more personal than that. Every night that I ponder what I am going to write, and remember what has happened in my day, no matter how busy I have been, or if my day seemed good or bad, I can see the Lord working in my life to bless me, and all those around me. That is a great gift.

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. " 2 Nephi 25:26

Scout - Our New Edition

Seth and I have been talking about getting a pet since Christmas time, and we decided that a kitten would best fit our lifestyle. And, really I just need a little friend while I'm home by myself during the day. We went to the Cleveland Animal Protection League, a nice shelter in Cleveland, and found Annie. an adorable 4 month old domestic short hair mix. She was the last one of her litter, and it seemed like she really just wanted someone to love her.

So we picked her out, they put her in an animal carrier, which was really more like a box with some air holes in it. The shelter was only 20 minutes from our house, but the highway ramp was blocked, and the detour was terrible, and we ended up driving around downtown for almost an hour with a crazed kitten on our hands. It was really my fault. I am a sap for meowing it seems, and I let her out of the box so I could hold her. Bad idea! She just hated the moving car. Then after about 15 minutes of struggle, I finally got her back in the box, and she meowed and scratched even harder! It was somewhat terrifying to watch all those needle like claws frantically trying to tear apart all the air holes.


But when when the car stopped, she got all still, and we set the box in the living room for a minute and let her out. She lept out of the box, purring enthusiastically and became the most friendly, curious, happy furry thing, I have ever seen. Our house was immediatly her playground.


Annie, just didn't seem like it should be her name. We tried Daisy out, and that didn't stick either. Then I thought of Boo, (from Monsters Inc.) which made Seth think of Scout, from "To Kill A Mockingbird." It was perfect! She is definately a Scout. She is so much like the curious little girl in that story, so that will be her name.

We really need to find a way for her to start liking to scratch her scratching post instead of the furniture. If anyone has any suggestions. We could sure use some help! But she has a great time chasing things like imaginary things, her tail, hair ties, bottle caps, and string. And I can already tell she has a knack for getting into mischief. This morning while I was eating breakfast, she kept on jumping onto the table, I kept putting her on the ground, and then she did it again, and held onto the placemat knocking all my milk onto herself, me, the table, my scriptures, the chair and the floor. She seemed pretty happy lapping the milk up off the floor. We'll have to work on that.

Last night we watch a movie, and she cuddled up with us on the couch, and took a nap while purring loudly the whole time. But then when we wanted to go to bed, she wanted to play. We'll have to figure this one out. It seems as though I am going to have my own furry little alarm clock. She meowed, and meowed, so I let her in our room, and she proceded to walk all over my head, chasing every movement of my sheets, my hair, and everything else. But when I sit down on the big lounge chair for a while, she comes over to the big brown fuzzy blanket she loves, and the following is her routine.

Scout has been purring ever since she got into the house. Seth thought her purr box might break if she keeps going like she is. It seems like she is really happy to be with us, and we are happy to have her.

Still going

Well, I don't have the time to post pictures but, I figured it would be good to try and keep posting at least once a week. I would just like to thank all of you who commented on my last post, and all posts. I can't tell you how happy it makes me! I appreciate all of you who check my blog, and it just makes my day when you leave a comment.

First of all, Seth and I had a nice long weekend. We got to go down to Columbus, and attend the temple, stay with my Aunts Laura and Candi, and visit my Grandparents. My Grandpa gave us the rundown about a lot of my ancestors, and gave us pedigree charts, and pictures, and articles to help me get started on my family history for that side. It was fascinating to me. It turns out that all of the ancestors from my Father's side lived in Cleveland after they came to America! Crazy, huh! I have felt a connection to Cleveland, and I like it here. It turns out that I have ancestors buried in cemetaries just a few minutes away from our home. I am very excited to learn more about them.
We had a lot of fun with Laura and Candi playing the Wii Fit. I think it is a wonderful program, and we are considering investing in it because it will help us excercize, together even, and have fun doing it. We are very comepetative, and the Wii fit games helps to push us because we want to beat each other. We also had a Euker marathon Tournament between me and Laura against Seth and Candi. Laura and I won almost every game, and it seems we have developed quite the rivalry.

This isn't related to anything, but I really like this song. It helps calm me down, and it is very peaceful. It's by Brooke Fraser, called, "The Thief."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LxVh9WPiJI

Seth and I have been having the most terrible troubles with Alltel, our former cell phone provider. We have been tricked and swindled by them. They have taken advantage of us, and I have never felt more used by a company in my life! I will add more details later when we get further into our fight for redress, but until then, I urge anyone not to sign with such an uncaring, and fraudulent company.

I have been practising the piano just about every day now for 45 min. to an hour. I have really enjoyed it, and teaching myself hasn't been too bad. The 9 years of playing the cello, and singing in the choir most of my life has really helped me to know enough to read the notes, and it's just a matter of practice. I really have the motivation to practice, that I didn't have when I was 9. I want music to be a big part of my family now like it was when I was growing up. I want to play the piano, and have all the kids, and Seth gather around to sing hym ns, and Christmas songs. I have a lot of work to do, but I am really making progress. I can now play (well enough to have people sing along) 25 songs in the simple hymn book. It is a great book to get me started.

It amazes me at how our economy, and even our country has taken a terrible turn downhill in such a short amount of time. There are companies failing, cheating, laying off all employees. The stock market is to say the least, not doing well at all. One year ago, I never could have believed that all this would happen. But listening to President Obama's inaugural address really inspired me. I don't support some of his policies, and don't agree with all of his tactics, but he sure is a good speaker, and I hope that he can help unite us as one nation under God. I hope that all the words from his address (whether he wrote it, or not) will come true as we work together as a people for a better world. I know that the only way we can do that is with the Lord's help, and I pray for it every day. If you haven't seen the address. You should watch it. Follow the link below to watch the 20 minute address.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjnygQ02aW4

Happy New Year!

Well, I know it has been forever, and ever since I've posted. I guess I've been a little discouraged because I don't thing more than 2 people actually reads my blog when I do post. But, I guess there are other reasons to blog. But as an update, we are doing just fine here. We had a lovely time with our family for the holidays. Seth's job is going well, and we think his job is pretty safe. I have finally found a really good doctor for once, and I think that my health is going to start getting better in the near future. So that is something to really look forward too. We are going to go kitten shopping when we get the house done, so that is a great incentive! I'm really excited about it. We are getting really close do being done painting our house, we are on the trim, and doors. Once I get the painting done, I am going to start posting long awaited pics of the house, and the holidays, etc. So stay posted. More blogging coming soon!

"Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family." - President Thomas S. Monson

Some of you may know that my Dad had a heart attack this week. It was scary, and we didn't know what was going to happen. Thankfully, he only needed 2 metal stints, instead of another openheart surgery. He is home now, resting, and we think everything will be ok.

I got to thinking a lot this week about life, how short it is, and how unexpected things always happen. You never konw how long you have, or how long the people around you have. I talked to my Dad on the phone when things were still very uncertain. We were all worried, but had faith that no matter what happened, things would be ok because we are an eternal family. When I spoke to my Dad, he said, "I love you Emily. I really love you. You have a special place in my heart. You always have." He said it like it might be the last time we spoke to each other. That really shook me up, and I remember the countless times I have just rattled off, "ok, love you, bye." at the end of conversations with my loved ones. This experience has helped me to realize the importance of everyday, and every opportunity to spend with my loved ones. And it helped me to ponder the blessing of the knowledge that I will see my family again no matter how long they are here, or I am here. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In my religion, we believe in the Plan of Salvation, or the Plan of Happiness. The Lord has given us this plan so we can return back to Him, with our families and live with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by participating in certain ordinances and covenants, and by living by them our whole life. We make those promises in our temples, and they are the most sacred places on earth to us because God dwells there. I know for sure that my family can be together forever if we do our best, and live the way we have promised to live. Families are what is most important. In the last General Conference of the church, our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson counseled us to live everyday as if it were our last.

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.

My brothers and sisters, there is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today.

Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.”3 We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.

Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”4

How simple, yet profound are these words. It is apparent to me that whoever the prophet is, in that time, he knows just what we need to hear, and gives us true and applicable counsel. I am going to take this counsel and use it in my life. I don't want to live another today counting on another tomorrow, collecting empty yesterdays. I want my family and friends to know how much I care about them. Life would be empty without them. My loved ones are what bring to me the joy that fills my life.

An Unexpected Occurance

Well, I haven't blogged in forever. I can't find my camera cord in my mess of a house, and have been really busy the last few weeks unpacking, furnishing and remodling our house. I am learning a lot, and enjoying the break from school and work. Last night, Seth and I were preping the kitchen to be primed. We heard a ton of sirens, and saw flashing lights, and out our window we saw 4 fire trucks and 2 ambulances in front of our house. The neighbors' 2 doors down house was on fire. From our porch we could see smoke billowing from the windows, and the firemen climbing the huge truck ladder to take people out of the house. They were there for a long time. We don't know those neighbors yet, but we prayed for them. We want to do something to help, but we don't know what we even could do. If any of you have gone through a fire experience, I would love some suggestions on what we could do that would help the most. I got to thinking about the inportance of preventing and being prepared for emergencies like that. I thought about how we don't have a family emergency plan to evactuate, and how a lot of things about our house need to be changed to make it safer. I am going to make sure Seth and I talk about it, and make a plan. So I would encourage all of you to think about that, and prepare yourselves and families as well.