Cake, Smores, Chi Chocolate...I'm A Local!

This has to be the cheesiest picture I have but I couldn't resist getting one for posterity. As you can see it is FREEZING here and I leave the apartment everyday in layers and layers of clothing! This picture was the day of our opening! it was the most amazing feeling onstage...I had chills the entire night and the entire cast was giddy the whole show!

I stole a wish from Donny's Opening night B day cake! shh...!

at our opening night after party! This is just a few of the cast members but they are the best! I'm the baby of the family so I'm always on my toes and trying to keep up! So much talent on stage and a fun little family off stage:)

John Boy took me to a sushi restaurant (which was divine) and they had smores for dessert! Who would've paired the two together! I was in asia and then i was in the Mountains roasting a smore! woah... I will be honest though. The smores weren't as good as the ones I used to roast up american fork canyon...

I really feel so cool running around the city with John Boy! He's showed me some of the greatest local spots! We stopped at a chocolate restaurant called Max Brewers and ordered some hot chocolate! This is not your average hot chocolate... It pours out of the pot into your cup once placing the bottom of the pot on the rim of the cup! Neat huh?

Thank goodness for John Boy!

Simply...

Gordon B. Hinckley, "“Be Not Faithless”", Ensign, Apr. 1989, 2

"To all who may have doubts, I repeat the words given Thomas as he felt the wounded hands of the Lord: “Be not faithless, but believing.” Believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the greatest figure of time and eternity. Believe that his matchless life reached back before the world was formed. Believe that he was the Creator of the earth on which we live. Believe that he was Jehovah of the Old Testament, that he was the Messiah of the New Testament, that he died and was resurrected, that he visited the western continents and taught the people here, that he ushered in this final gospel dispensation, and that he lives, the living Son of the living God, our Savior and our Redeemer."

I was reminded today of my Redeemers love as I was a visitor in a New York City, Union Square ward. I'm so grateful that the Church of Jesus Christ is universal and can be found wherever my adventures take me. The speakers touched my heart as I was reminded of my testimony and the power of the Holy Spirit. During this busy Holiday season it gets easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas and our responsibility to love others. Especially at this time of year.

so...

simply believe...

simply take this time and think of Christ. Treasure family and friends and come to know Christ this holiday season. Believe that He is real. Believe that his love is real. And believe that we are entitled to that love! So many reasons to Believe this holiday season:) just a lil sunday holiday inspiration i thought i'd share:)

~Jessie Ann

Utah...Vegas...and now...NYC!!

Today was my first day in New York City!

I woke up in my Jersey apartment to a light snow and a beautiful view of the city...

Attempted some "do at home" yoga...not as successful as I had hoped.

Bundled in layers, a scarf, hat, and boots and made my way to the Path Transit Train.

Kenzie, Jamyz, Karl, Rich, Kelene, and I blindly walked onto the wrong train but after figuring our first train experience out, we walked out of the humid, underground station to the cold streets of New York City just blocks away from Time Square!

This was our first view of the walk we would be making everyday for the next month!

I was all smiles as I registered the fun sites around me and made mental notes of every place I wanted to see and eat! Before you know it, I'll be a polished NYC local:) Although the walk was cold, it went by very fast and I found my self lagging behind the group due to the amount of picture taking that was going on.

and then...BAM! ON BROADWAY! I was slightly freaking out and couldn't stop giggling...

This is one of those moments that I need to cherish forever. Take in this whole experience and enjoy every second. As a young girl I always dreamed and even prayed to be on Broadway. Someone pinch me! I can't believe the crazy turn that life has taken. Blessed...All I can say is blessed. Grateful for this exciting experience and grateful for a family that sacrificed so much to help me get here! I'm giddy, excited, and nervous for them to see the show and experience the city with me. Hopefully I can do them proud!

xoxo

~Jessie Ann