16th Day of Christmas - Natalie

Introducing...my friend NATALIE

Natalie has been my friend since my childhood. My family moved to Tremonton right before I started 4th grade, and Natalie's family lived in the neighborhood. There were four girls that were the same age as me that all lived within just a few blocks of each other. There was Julie (who moved away the next year), Heather, Misty, and Natalie. I was so glad that they all lived so close! I remember going to my first friend sleepover in Tremonton at Natalie's house back when we were 10, and she invited all the neighborhood girls. We celebrated many birthdays together after that!

Natalie is the youngest child in her family. Her dad was my bishop in our church for years, and her mom was my piano teacher. So, I got to know her family pretty well, too. When they moved into their new house, Natalie got to have her own room and her own {huge} bathroom. I was so jealous! I remember admiring her mirror-lined closet doors! I also remember coveting her leather jackets and her porcelain dolls. But you know what's so wonderful about Natalie? She's very humble; even though she got to have lots more stuff than me when we were growing up, she never acted snobbish about it.

Natalie and I have lots of good memories together...YW camps, birthday parties, church experiences, choir trips, YW activities, summer play dates. In high school, we went on some double-dates together, we got our YW medallions together, and we graduated seminary and high school together. After that, we even went to SUU together (and I was just a tad-bit envious that her apartment was way nicer than my dorm!!).

We have been friends for over 20 years, and we are still good friends today because of Natalie. I'm not very good at communicating with long-distance relationships, but Natalie always stays in touch. She is so good at sending Christmas cards, and contacting me, and making plans to get together. She was my date for our 10-year class reunion! And she and I have gotten together twice this year, having cookies once in February and going to the temple and eating lunch together in October.

Natalie is so kind and pleasant to be around. She is forgiving and friendly and has a great attitude! She is so cheerful and happy! She has a great smile and she uses it frequently!!! And she has an awesome laugh that she shares often! I love being around Natalie! We have so much history together, so it's easy to be myself around her, because I know that she knows me and accepts me and she chooses to remain my friend! And Natalie is such a good friend to have!

She is a hard worker, and is very responsible. She is a planner and she has goals that she is always working towards. She sets high standards for herself, and she lives up to those standards. I'm so proud of all that she has accomplished because of her dedication! She is spiritually strong and is a good example for me!

Natalie, thank you so much for your constant friendship! I'm grateful for your presence in my life, and I'm especially thankful that you've never given up on me! I've enjoyed the time I've been able to spend with you lately, and I appreciate your acceptance and love! Thanks for the Christmas Card! You're a sweetie, and I simply love you!

15th Day of Christmas - Alyssa

Introducing...Josh's sister-in-law ALYSSA
Alyssa is married to Josh's younger brother Gideon. He couldn't have picked a better wife if we'd all hand-picked her ourselves! We all love her and we are so glad that she is now a part of our family!

Alyssa is gorgeous and is so photogenic. I think her skin tone is so pretty, and she has perfect skin, too! (Her and Gideon are going to have lots of beautiful babies someday!) She has a beautiful smile, a delightful giggle, and a lovely laugh. Her smile lights up a room, and hearing her laugh is heart-warming!

Not only is she pretty, but she is talented too! Like Gideon, she is also a dancer, and is a graceful one! She was on the dance team during their college years and she is mesmerizing to watch on stage. She performs ballet beautifully. And she's also been a gymnast since her childhood. I used to dream of doing clog and ballet when I was a teenager, but I had to take piano lessons instead. I'm okay with it now, since I probably don't have the body-type for it anyway, but when I watch Alyssa dance, my mind dreams of dancing just like her. Last spring, Gideon and Alyssa did the cutest dance duet together at the local dance recital. He clogged, and she did ballet. It was an incredible duet! They make the perfect team!

She is also an excellent photographer: she has an eye for beauty, and captures life so well using her photo lens. I absolutely love her work!

Alyssa is sweet and kind. She speaks so positively of others and is optimistically realistic. She is a dreamer and a wisher and a hoper. She brings the gift of happiness to any situation. She is just such a lovely person! I enjoy being around her because I feel like she appreciates life for what it is. She is spiritual and religious. She's funny and light-hearted. She's sensible and understanding.

Alyssa comes from a very supportive, close-knit, loving family. She loves her family with all her heart, and for good reason: they are all quality people. She was raised in a loving home with amazing parents who were wonderful examples of righteousness and togetherness. Her older sister and 3 older brothers are funny and fun and nice and happy and smart, too. They have a great time when they get together!

Alyssa, I love you and I adore you! You are one gifted lady! And I'm thankful to be able to call you family. I'm so grateful for you and for the person that you are. I enjoy being around you, and my boys love it when "aunt alyssa" comes to visit! We can't wait to see you two again!!

14th Day of Christmas - Gideon

Introducing...Josh's brother GIDEON
Gideon is one of Josh's younger brothers. And except for sharing the same last name, and some similar physical features, they really have nothing in common. They are so completely different!

I first met Gideon in November 1997. At that time, he was just 13 years old. He was such a cute kid, and was so sweet. He was so nice to me, and I've liked him from the first time I saw him! It was fun watching him grow up and mature into the man he is today!

Anybody who knows Gideon knows he is super talented. He dances. He clogs. He sings. He plays the piano. He plays the trumpet. He is an actor. I've gone to many of his dance recitals, his musical concerts, his plays. He never ceases to amaze me. There is nothing this kid can't do. And he excels at whatever he does, too. He dances with a smile. He plays instruments with perfection. He performs without flaw. He is just so good!

Gideon is athletic, too. He ran cross-country in high school and college, he participated in track in high school, and he was on the university dance team every year he attended. And because he's a clogger, his leg muscles are super strong! He played on the basketball team one year in junior high, and I remember going to one of his games. Although it's not a sport he continued to participate in on the school team, he always plays "Lightning" against Josh and Ammon on the driveway basketball court, and he frequently wins!

Gideon is popular. He was a studentbody officer and was class officer several times throughout high school, and when he went to college, he was a leader for a singing group and for his dance team as well. He is charming and makes everyone around him feel good about themselves. He communicates well with both genders, and people of all ages. He is so good with kids, and my boys absolutely adore him! They've missed him since he got married last year and moved away. Gideon got a university degree in communications, and he currently works for the Governor of Idaho.

Growing up on a farm and ranch, Gideon learned to be a hard worker. He is responsible and dependable, and he often gets asked to take on extra responsibilities, because others know that he will say yes and that he will give the assignment 110%. Gideon is fun, he has a great smile, and an awesome laugh. I really like playing games with him, because he's smart and fun to play with and he really likes to play games, too.

He is one of the most righteous people I know. He aspires to be like the Savior. He is loving and generous, he is kind and charitable, he is spiritual and faithful, he is knowledgeable of the gospel and shares his testimony with others. He was a great missionary, and he is firm in his testimony. He is an incredible example to me.

Gideon, I'm so lucky and blessed that you are a part of my life. I am so grateful for the example you are, especially to my boys. I love you and my boys practically worship the ground you walk on! Thanks for always upholding your standards and for making the world a better place!

13th Day of Christmas - Melissa

Introducing...my friend MELISSA

Melissa is another friend that I met during my school days. We went to junior high, high school, and even college together! I remember hanging out with Melissa, but I don't remember when we first became friends! Melissa and I were in different friend circles, because we were involved in different activities, but sometimes our friend circles coincided, and we crossed paths often. She was in the same church stake as me, and I remember hanging out with her at different stake young women's activities and at YW camp. In high school, Melissa was in the colorguard that danced on the field during the marching band competitions and shows. One year, I helped carry their banner in parades and helped move their props during competitions, and I remember spending time with her then. I remember being in an after-school, ACT-prep class and I sat right next to her during the course of that class. I remember hanging out with her at parties and dances and school functions. And I remember visiting her while we were at SUU, because she lived in a different dorm than me.

Melissa is an even-tempered, calm person. She is quiet, respecting, and polite. She is very sensible and responsible. She is super smart and wise. She is very religious and she is a faithful daughter of God.

She loves music. She is a very talented musician. She has played in orchestras since junior high. She plays the cello beautifully. I always admire people who can play string and brass instruments. At music concerts in high school, I enjoyed watching the band and orchestra play. And I loved watching her play the large cello. She continues to play in community orchestras, and she's even taught lessons. She just recently finished playing in a performance of "The Messiah". I wish I could've gone! I've been singing some of Handel's songs for weeks, and I've been craving to go to a Messiah sing-along, but there's nothing like that around here.

Melissa is married to Shane, who was one year older than us in school. Shane was in the band, and I remember hanging out with him on several occasions as well. After I was married, I was working at a fabrication company when I was pregnant with my oldest. Shane was also an employee of that company, and I was so glad. There were some questionable characters working there who didn't always treat me properly, but Shane always treated me with courtesy and respect and I appreciated him so much for that! Shane is a good guy, and he is a wonderful husband to Melissa. Together, they have two children.

Melissa is a great mom, and she sacrifices so much for her family. She is patient and loving with her children, and teaches them in righteous ways. She knows what is best for her children, and she puts them first in her life.

She works as a surgical tech, and she loves her job, and I know she's good at it, too. She is professional and dependable and is a hard worker. She loves learning and she is excited to learn and try new things.

Melissa, thank you for being my friend! Thanks for blogging; I enjoy reading about what's going on in your life, and I appreciate your occasional comments on my blog, too. I'm always glad to know when others have read what I've written! I'm so glad that we are friends!

12th Day of Christmas - Heather

Introducing...my dear friend HEATHER
Heather and I became friends when I was in 8th grade. She was one year younger than me in school, and we were both in the junior high production of "Bye Bye Birdie". That was such a fun play! The cast got along so well, and we had a great time! During the course of our high school years, Heather and I were both involved in numerous plays and drama competitions and shakespeare competitions together. My favorite memory of acting on stage with Heather was during the fall of my Junior year, when we were both in the ensemble scene for Shakespeare Competition. We both played "harlots" in the play "Pericles". I had the bestest time being a harlot! In real life, I was a good mormon girl, but I enjoyed portraying a different kind of girl on the stage with Heather and Sara and Amy and Eve! That was an awesome year for our school: we earned the first place trophy for our ensemble scene, and we also tied for first place in sweepstakes (the overall award including all the individual scenes). I always smile when I think of memories from that Shakespeare competition!

Participating in drama during the awkward teenage years can really help boost adolescents' self-esteem. Actors have to put all personal issues aside while portraying character roles, memorizing lines, dancing and singing songs on stage in front of hundreds of students and parents and strangers. It can be terrifying and nerve-wracking and difficult to maintain composure, but each cast grows close together and each individual becomes an important member of the team. It's empowering to know that even though you're putting yourself out there, there are people behind you and alongside backing you up. We all learned that it was okay to be different, that we could and should just be who we are--our crazy selves, because we were taught and felt acceptance by our fellow acting peers. I have kept those life-lessons to heart, and so has Heather. She appreciates the differences in others and is accepting of others and their lifestyle choices. And she believes in being who she is, and she is nothing but true to herself. I love her for that.

I am so grateful for Heather's friendship in my life; not only through my teenage years, but also in my adulthood. After I got married and moved away from my hometown, I didn't see her or talk to her and we lost touch. But several years ago, thanks to a social networking site, we were reconnected. And through blogging and facebook, we've stayed in touch.

Heather is so outgoing and friendly. She makes friends so easily and friendships are so important to her. She makes sure that her friends know that she cares about them. I've received several homemade cards in the mail from her over the years, for my birthday and at Christmas and thank-you notes. She always remembers to let others know how much she appreciates them, and I value that quality in her that she so freely shares.

Last year, we went out for lunch together, and I remembered just how much I used to love being in her presence. She is so funny and I just love her laugh! She is a great listener and is very understanding: I always feel like she "gets me". She is thoughtful and compassionate, and knows the right things to say and do to help others who are struggling. She's experienced some rough things in her lifetime and she has come out of them the better person. She is open and honest and non-judgmental, and I love that about her. I love being around others who I feel understand me and who don't judge me for the dumb things that I say and do. There have been many lonely times over the last few years where I wished that I lived by her, because I knew that I could run to her and she would welcome me with open arms and make me instantly feel better. Instead, I just call her, and she's been able to provide her support over the phone.

Heather knows how to have fun, she knows how to throw a good party, and she is the life of the party! I went to a sleepover party once at her house during high school, and I remember feeling so cool that I got an invitation! It was so fun, and she had games and movies and yummy food all prepared. It was an awesome party! I'm sad every time I hear about one of the parties she hosts now since I live so far away and can't go, but if I did, I know I would just have the time of my life! But, I am excited to announce that I will be seeing Bon Jovi and Lady Gaga in concert with her this spring! And we are gonna rock it!!!

Heather, thank you so much for your friendship. I love you dearly, and I'm so glad for the times that you've been there for me. Thanks for sharing the laughs and tears and thoughts and feelings. Thank you for understanding me and accepting me and for loving me regardless of who I am! You are an awesome lady, and I'm glad that you are a part of my life!

11th Day of Christmas - Mike

Introducing...Josh's cousin MIKE
Mike is married to Jeralynn, who is Josh's distant cousin. Jeralynn's grandma and Josh's great-grandpa are first cousins. That would make Josh and Jeralynn 3rd cousins-once removed. Jeralynn's parents own a house in Salmon in our neighborhood. While growing up, Jeralynn's family lived there in the summer. During the summers of their youth, she and her siblings grew up helping out on the Corbett and Tolman ranches. So, Jeralynn's family and Josh's family know each other very well, and they are friends as well as family.

Jeralynn and Mike are the parents of four kids, and they are such wonderful parents. They raise their children in righteousness, they teach them to have respect, and they take care of them lovingly. But what I admire most about their parenting style is that they know how to have fun and they take lots of opportunities to have fun with their kids!

Mike loves the outdoors! He is very athletic and he enjoys participating in outdoor activities. Often when he's visiting Salmon, he goes golfing at the Salmon Valley Golf Course. He almost always calls Josh when he goes, and they'll go together. Josh loves having opportunities to golf with others on his home turf!! And whenever we have family get-togethers, Mike rounds up everyone to be involved in an outdoor game--like basketball, or soccer, or volleyball. He takes the lead, and invites everyone to join in. Mike knows how to have a good time, and he is excellent at involving everyone, regardless of their age!

He loves adventures, and he's not afraid to be daring! He excels when he's faced with a challenge! He loves going mountain biking and camping and hiking. He is smart and he's a philosophical thinker. He's very interesting to be with! He almost always has a smile on his face, and he shares his zest for life with others. His optimistic attitude is delightful to be around!

Mike, I appreciate your great attitude and your desire to live life to the fullest. I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to spend time enjoying outdoor activities with you! I'm glad that we have the chance every year to hang out. I just love your cute family!

10th Day of Christmas - Carrie

Introducing...Josh's cousin CARRIE

Remember how I talked about Josh's cousin Heidi earlier this week? Well, Carrie is Heidi's younger sister. I think they look so much alike, don't you?! Carrie is so pretty! I've only met Carrie a handful of times, because she lives across the U.S. She comes out west whenever there's a big family occasion happening. I've been able to spend time with her at weddings, graduations, funerals, and reunions. I really like Carrie, and I wish she'd come out here more!

Carrie is a genuine person. She is so sweet and nice, and she has the great quality of making you feel comfortable in her presence. I love to be around people that have the ability to instantly make you feel at ease, and she always does just that! Carrie cracks me up! She says the funniest things and she does the craziest things, too! She is so hilarious!

She is a hard worker, and she's always been able to help support her family. She is a talented hairdresser, too. Several summers ago when she came out for a reunion, she cut Ammon's hair for me. At that time, he was really afraid of the clippers and he wouldn't let me cut his hair using them. She introduced the clippers to him as "the tickler". She spoke at his level and he felt comfortable in her presence and she was successful at cutting his hair.

Carrie is so great with little kids! She gets along with anybody, but kids warm up to her especially well. She is a great mom to her growing boys! She loves them and serves them, she teaches them and has fun with them. They are so lucky to have her as their mom!

Carrie, thank you for being my friend! Thank you for always being so good to me and my family! I love you and I love your family, and I'm so grateful for all the opportunities I've had to be around you, and I hope there's plenty more of those occasions in the future! You are an awesome person, and I love being in your presence!

9th Day of Christmas - Brendalee

Introducing...Josh's cousin BRENDALEE

Brendalee is Josh's second cousin. She is also his third cousin. Want to know how that works? Josh's grandparents are Rex and Beth. Brendalee's grandparents are Louise and Joe. Louise is Rex's little sister, and Joe is Beth's cousin. So not only are Brendalee's grandma and Josh's grandpa siblings, but Brendalee's grandpa and Josh's grandma are cousins. Got it? Does that make sense? It took me a while to figure out how all the cousins were related! Brendalee belongs to a family that we see at two different reunions: the Tolman reunion and the Corbett reunion. And her family almost always comes to both reunions, so we get to see them every year!

Brendalee is younger than Josh and I. When we were first married, her family lived down the street from us. They were in our ward, so we got to know their family pretty well. I remember her babysitting for us once when Ammon was a baby. She is the oldest child in her family, and she brought her two younger sisters to babysit with her. Josh and I went out for frozen yogurt, and we were gone for an hour. We thought it was so funny that we had 3 babysitters to watch just one little infant boy!

She has strong family ties, and enjoys family get-togethers. She is married to Lee, and they recently moved to a different state, so I didn't have a chance to see her at the Tolman reunion this past summer. She is a social butterfly. She enjoys talking with people and she is so good at remembering everyone: she knows their names and knows how they're related! That's a talent right there, especially when family generations are intertwined!!

Brendalee is a positive thinker. She always has a smile on her face, and she shares her contagious laughter! She enjoys having fun, and brings fun to any situation! She is so loving and so kind. She cares very deeply for her family, and she especially has a soft spot for her nieces and nephews. She is very selfless, and is always serving others. She has such an positive attitude about life, and her happy aura easily spreads to those around her!

Brendalee, I'm so glad that we are related! And I'm so grateful for the photos you take and the online groups you create to promote and encourage family reunions! You have such righteous desires, and I'm so thankful for the virtuous and optimistic qualities that you uphold.

8th Day of Christmas - Ryan

Introducing...Josh's best friend RYAN

Ryan is a gem, and a rare one, too. He's the best kind of friend to have, and I am so grateful for his presence in Josh's life. They were friends in high school, during their missions, when they each got married, and are still friends even now. Josh doesn't really get too close to people, and he doesn't feel like he "needs" friends, except for one exception: Ryan and Josh will be friends forever.

There are so many good things to say about Ryan, I don't even know where to start. I love Ryan for his genuine goodness. He serves others effortlessly; he cares about everyone he comes in contact with, and he shows his concern for the welfare of others. He has the kindest heart of any man that I know, and he is so patient.

Ryan is amazing with his hands. He creates beautiful pieces of furniture. And he has a talent for coming up with concepts to maximize and utilize and organize space and then he builds his concept, turning ideas into reality. I love admiring his work!

Ryan grew up in a family with 8 kids, and he is so good with children. Before he had children of his own, he loved being around his nieces and nephews. And now that he's a father, he emulates the love he feels for his daughters. He is a great dad, and he delights in spending time at home fulfilling that role.

He is a rock: he's physically strong, and he also has a strong testimony. I have never heard him say a rude word, or cuss, or act in a way that is unbecoming. He is Christ-like and strives to be the best he can be in all areas of his life. He is righteous and treats others with respect and kindness. He has served in Elders Quorum presidencies, in Bishoprics, and is now on the High Council in his stake. Even though he spends a lot of time serving others, he's always treated the relationship with his wife Heidi as his highest priority. And because of this, they have a commendable marriage.

Ryan is also an amazing baker. His sugar cookies are the most delicious I've ever had. And one time several years ago, he made me a shake that was so good, I've never forgotten it. I've benefited from his delectable treats many times, so I'm glad he shares his sweet concoctions with others!

Ryan, thank you for your friendship to my hubby Josh. I'm so grateful he has you, and I'm so grateful for the example you are to us. You have improved the lives of so many, including ours! Thank you for being a living example of the testimony that you bear.

7th Day of Christmas - Heidi

Introducing...Josh's cousin HEIDIAt family functions while growing up, Josh used to hang out with his cousin Heidi and her sister Jodi because they were the closest in age to him. Josh gets along really well with Heidi. When they were in high school, Heidi set up Josh on a blind date with one of her friends, and he brought along his best friend Ryan to double with them. Ryan and Heidi are now married, and Josh loves that his best friend is married to one of his favorite cousins!

I met Ryan and Heidi after they were first married and Josh and I were still dating. Josh and I drove up to Boise (where they lived at the time), to go to a Monster Truck Race with them. Ryan drove us there in his cool Ford Fairlane. And I specifically remember sitting in the backseat with Josh, watching how intently Heidi looked at her husband as he was driving. I remember thinking about just how much she loved him--you could see it in her eyes. I admired the way they showed their love and respect for each other. And their love for each other has only grown from that time! Since Ryan will be featured on tomorrow's post, I'm going to focus today on Heidi.

Heidi is so beautiful. And I love her hair; she always styles it so nicely. Her exquisite wardrobe and shoes and accessories compliment her beauty as well. Heidi decorates her home lovely; she has a talent for choosing colors and patterns and textures and combining them to create a home full of pretty surroundings.

Heidi is a hard worker and is very responsible. She acts like a lady and is very respectable. And when she's with her sisters, she's especially funny. She has six sisters, and when they get together, they know how to have fun! They are SO comical, and I enjoy being with them when they all get together, because I can't stop laughing! I love watching the dynamics of their family, and how they interact with each other. Heidi loves her family with all her heart. She is happy and willing to help them whenever they need her. They are a close-knit family!

Ryan and Heidi are the parents of two sweet daughters--twin girls. Heidi is a terrific mother. She's taken such good care of her girls. I really admire the optimism she exudes in the challenges she's endured. She is strong and courageous and she has an unwavering testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She delights in the simple pleasures of life, and she lives as if each moment is a gift. She appreciates her blessings and her heart is full of gratitude.

Heidi, it was so great to see you a few weeks ago, and to spend time with you and your family! Thank you for your excellent example of faith and hope. I look up to you so much. I am so grateful to be related to such a high caliber person such as yourself!