Christmas 2010 was...

a great time.

And I didn't get one. picture. of. me. and. my. mother. Now, before you chastise me-- the first half of her beloved arrival, she was sleeping. A lot. Like, 17 hour days a lot. Then she got better [but not fully well]. We had to literally cram as many activities we could into a couple days. I remember on Christmas day thinking I should take a picture.... but I didn't. Moving on.

We did a lot of baking, catching up, laughing, more baking, and it couldn't have been better. I do wish she were feeling better, but to be honest- I didn't mind staying in a chatting for hours on end. It was much needed!

I was extremely excited with the gifts I received this year. Nothing huge, but everything much appreciated. Alex knows me well... he got me the Forrest Gump Soundtrack [Seriously. Best bunch of songs ever.], Michael J. Fox's newest book, Beatles cd, and a few other things. My grandmother purchased a fabulous chess set [which we are eager to use] and the in-laws are responsible for the new set of scriptures with my married name engraved on them. I LOVE getting new scriptures. No markings, no worn out pages... it's a perfect new start.

My mom also made us these unique coasters that I fell in love with....

....but I can't forget a certain parting gift my dear sweet mother gave us before traveling back to the rolling hills:

We named him Jimmy.

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas as we did. Hope your New Years is just as wonderful!

Mission Statement

My friend Catie told me about a website she found [http://www.franklincovey.com/msb/] in where you build your own personal mission statement. I've heard the benefits of having your own, so I decided to give it a whirl for 2011. So, without further adieu, here she is--

Rachel Teran's Personal Mission Statement

I am at my best when I look my best.I will try to prevent times when I don't get enough sleep and eat poorly.
I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can genuinely help people and fill my time with worthwhile tasks.
I will find enjoyment in my personal life through finding something each day to make my husband's day better, exercise, and seek activities that will uplift me spiritually.

I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as caring about people, going the extra mile, cooking, and looking for ways to be more creative.
I can do anything I set my mind to. I will learn to be truly comfortable in my own skin.
My life's journey is one of simplicity. I want to be happy. I want to love and be loved. I want to strengthen my testimony and knowledge of the scriptures each day. I simply want to enjoy life and love myself in the process.

I will be a person who at 80 years old, will be content with the life I led, and happy to be alive still.
My most important future contribution to others will be that I want to be remembered as someone who was happy--no matter what.
I will stop procrastinating and start working on:

• Lack of organization
• Self-Doubt
• Poor health decisions

I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:

• Optimism
• Christ-like attitude toward life
• Pure joy in being a wife, future mother, and daughter of God

I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:

• Exercise not to lose weight, but to gain confidence and care for my body
• Read scriptures everyday and be in constant prayer so I can develop a deeper relationship with my Heavenly Father
• Have more moments of pure meditation so I can clear my mind and be ready for whatever life throws at me
• Make an effort to get to know those around me, and try to be a beacon of light to all I come in contact with

Yes, it is a bit long-winded. But never-the-less, it is very important. Here's to the upcoming year!

Please Send Cookies.

My mom came into town on Thursday. She wasn't feeling good. She thought it was a kidney infection... with a hint of flu-like symptoms. She really wasn't feeling good.

And then.... after a day and a half of getting worse and feeling like utter crap- we took her to an Instacare. While waiting for her turn to go see the doctor, I noticed her right eye was quite red. Alex said [jokingly], "Maybe you have pink eye, too!"

She does. And she has strep throat, urinary tract infection, respiratory infection, and the flu. Seriously? So over Sunday and today, she will be doing nothing but sleeping and sleeping some more. Hopefully all this nonsense goes away soon so she can half-way enjoy the vacation. :)


And I'd really appreciate some snow! Utah has been upsetting me with the rainy winter situation. Grrrrr. Once the madre is feeling better and we are all looking cute, pictures will be taken. Until then, your imaginations will have to be sufficient.

January 1st, 2011.

Starting 01.01.11, I will:

BUY SOME NEW GLASSES. Maybe ones like the ones pictured below... if Alex doesn't think I look like too much of a dork in them. Regardless, I need a change. And soon.

Write a positive note to myself and put it somewhere where I see it daily. I'm really wanting to develop a more positive outlook not only on life, but myself as well. Maybe something like this? I'm sure throughout the year, my message will vary.

Make more of an effort with mi familia. More phone calls... letters... cards. Just more.

Save up and actually buy a nice camera so I can put my wishes for photography into action. I've put it off for too long... no longer I say!

And try to see the beauty in every day life.
...because that is part of our reason for being here... for being alive. To recognize all that God has created specifically for us.

Maybe I'll start a photo journal. Take a picture of something beautiful each day.
{You better believe that Alex will make a repeat appearance.}

He's good looking.

Until then, I will thoroughly enjoy the company of my beautiful mother {who arrives here in approximately one and a half hours}.

Hope you all are enjoying the Christmas season!

California Dreamin'

I kinda wish that Al and I lived on the coast so we could have a picture just. like. this.