Pillow talk time with soon-to-be bride Jane (right). Best part of the trip so far: spending time with my wonderful family. Today was great because I reconnected with dear ones.

We had our final committee meeting for Walk MS. Some of the other committee members are personally fighting with MS. They inspire me.

One committee member has been working hard to get cheerleaders to the walk to cheer on walkers, specifically those who will take a long time to complete the course because of their physical challenges. Thanks to her, there will be a strong cheering section.

At the end of the meeting, she asked for help to write a letter to invite the cheerleaders in upcoming years. “I want the cheerleaders to come even if I’m not around to invite them,” she said. As I absorbed what she was saying, my heart sunk. Although I said, “You’re not going anywhere,” in my heart I was less certain.

The unpredictable nature of the disease really keeps those who battle with it in a constant guessing game. The way they feel tomorrow, next week or next year is impossible to predict.

I took hope from a conversation with a recently-diagnosed friend who is maintaining control of his life through a new treatment. Although treatment is good, a cure would be better. I feel like I need to do all I can to help find a cure for this devastating disease, not just for those with disease but for their families as well. I know first hand how losing someone to MS hurts.

If you haven’t already, please check out my Walk MS page here: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/craigjonesmemorial

Walk! Donate! Get informed! Volunteer!

There are so many ways to help. Today was great because I witnessed courage firsthand. I’m so blessed I can help, even if it’s in a small way.

I love living close to Temple Square because I get to see this amazing choir and orchestra in person every Sunday. Today was great because the music touched me.

It’s moving day for cousins Carlie and Chris. Moving the stuff is the easy part; unpacking is a horrible task that must be completed alone. Today was a good day because I moved a piano without injuring myself. I hope I’m still singing the same happy tune tomorrow…

THIS POST IS FROM THE NEVER-RELEASED ARCHIVE. I’m not in LA anymore…

Dog days of summer

The most popular fashion accessory here in LA is a dog. I swear most people are scared to be seen in public sans pooch. Don’t get me wrong:  I am a dog person. I like dogs and think they should be treated like, well, DOGS. Not humans. Some people don’t get it.

Case in point:  On Friday we went to lunch at an amazing dive in Hollywood called The Griddle. The french toast is the best I’ve ever had. Well, people with dogs were seated outside. To make the dogs feel welcome, the servers bring a doggie bowl out when they bring the glasses of water to the humans. Cute touch, right? WRONG. The server filled the doggie bowls with the same pitchers she used for the humans. And the slobbering dogs couldn’t help but lick the pitcher as she was pouring. GROSS.

It seems like this doggie love crossed the line. Today was great because I learned a great lesson on dogs. 

“Winter’s chill chilled me to the bone this year.”

I’ve really neglected this blog over the winter, but I’m starting fresh. I’m going to be better at updating more regularly. Although my hand isn’t on a Bible right now as I make this promise, I sometimes read the Bible online. I guess that means I’m bound.

“It’s all behind you now, you’re moving on.”

I think we all need to move on after every single day, let the past go and look forward to the future. Spring is in my future, and even though there’s still snow outside I know it will come. 

Today was great because I’m excited for tomorrow. 

Happy New Year’s Eve! Check out this dramatic picture at one of Burley’s finest Mexican restaurants. Today is great because I’m partying with the Joneses.

Yep, the blue is snow.

We made it through the drifted mountain pass. We found an alternate route around the closed freeways. We witnessed a slide off/rollover and shared our handwarmers until help arrived. We blazed a trail on the unplowed highway. Yes, I had a pro driver as a chauffer.

When we got out of the mountains (almost seven hours after our journey began), the roads were even WORSE because they were covered in ice and the snow was flying.

Long story short:  I’m writing from the comfort of a warm motel room somewhere in northern Utah. Hopefully the snow will stop soon and we can make it home in the morning. Life is waiting for us :).  If you’re still traveling tonight, be safe!

Today was great because we were blessed with safety in some pretty hairy conditions. 

I was shopping this morning and saw this nativity scene. Do you notice something wrong with this picture? 

Yeah, there is no baby Jesus. It seems like sometimes during this hectic season we focus so much on things to do and buy that we forget the centerpiece of it all—our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

I’m guilty of this too. In fact, yesterday while I was helping my mom decorate the house, I said, “Mom we should take down this picture and put up a wreath.” Then I looked at the picture and realized it was a beautiful depiction of Christ. Oops. Probably not a good idea to take down a Jesus’s picture to make room for something “moreChristmasy.” There isn’t anything more appropriate or important than Christ this season (or ever). We need to remember this:

“Without Christ there would be no Christmas, and without Christ there can be no fullness of joy.” - Ezra Taft Benson (here)

Today is a good day because it’s Christmas time. And my brother Jaram’s birthday (I love him). 

I am so excited that these awesome people are headed in my direction right now! Today was great  because I thought of tomorrow:  the start of beach trip 2010. I’m a little sad the whole family isn’t going to make it, but we’ll be thinking of you guys!