Projects

This post goes out to Jessica, who started me on this project about a year and a half ago in some sort of quest to make me crafty. It probably should have taken about a month to finish, but well...

I actually finished the stitching a long time ago and I knew I wanted to frame it instead of making a pillow or anything else, so I've spent a lot of time (figuratively speaking) looking for the right frame. I finally found it, so here is the finished product.



It's not perfect, but I am quite proud of it nonetheless. Of course, I finish it now that we're beginning the spring thaw and hoping not to see snow again until December, but hey, at least I'll be able to pull it out next winter all ready to go.

American Idol

This is the first year I've actually watched American Idol. Since I gave up Biggest Loser, I needed something to entertain me on Tuesday nights. (And Wednesday nights. And the occasional Thursday night.) I've found American Idol to be moderately entertaining, but soooo predictable. For instance, the wild card show was kind of fun, but was it really necessary? Take for example...

Megan - She could have sung the ABC song and made it through because the judges love her. I don't know how long she'll last though, because I don't know how much America loves her. One thing's for sure - she has to figure out what the heck to do with herself on stage because that hip swish/arm fling thing is painful to watch.

Jasmine - I always liked her, but she really hasn't done that great the past couple weeks. Again, however, the judges took a liking to her early (can you say "commercial?") and because they decided the competition needed her, she's in.

Matt - I knew either Matt or Ricky would make it though. I was pulling for Ricky - he had two really good performances and seems like a classier guy - but Paula and Kara had a thing for Matt (they said the term "bluesy" a few too many times last night), so on he goes...

Anoop - America loves Anoop. I love Anoop. Simon was right in saying he definitely isn't the best singer there, but he's clean cut, smart and sincere and I think he will go far just because he has the likeability factor.

As for the rest of the finalists, there are some really good singers, but I think Simon was right again in saying they needed some more personality or it could get boring real quick.

Maybe the dingo ate your baby.

Just wanted to direct your attention to my new widget. Hello Emily's bookshelf.

The Verdict is In...

Preston has decided to attend law school at William Mitchell in St. Paul, Minnesota. We visited the school a few months ago and were very impressed with the location - it is in a beautiful, historic part of the city, and the building itself is also very impressive. William Mitchell is where Chief Justice Burger studied law. We are excited about our future and the upcoming changes. If only August were next month instead of six months away...

Resolutions

2008 is done and over - Time to report on last years resolutions and commit myself to some new ones.

I was impressed with how well I did, even though I didn't revisit the goals very often. Here's the list - you can decide for yourself whether I completed them or not.

1. Visit New Hampshire this Summer. - I visited in March and November, and saw my family in July.
2. Participate in the Ogden Marathon, and qualify for the Boston Marathon - I didn't run in the Ogden Marathon, nor did I qualify for the Boston Marathon, but I did run the Whistle-stop Marathon.
3. Straight A's at BYU - Didn't do it. I have no excuses.
4. Retain the Scoresby Cup - Despite Ben having made the cup a type "A" goal, the Cup still resides on my bookshelf.
5. Read sunday school lessons Every week - Didn't do it.
6. Participate in the Sunapee Triathlon - I didn't do the Sunapee Triathlon, but I did the Wausau Triathlon.
7. Watch less ESPN, but more BYU football. I did watch less ESPN, though I did watch more ESPN 2. My cable coverage doesn't have ESPN, but somehow I'm getting ESPN 2. I also did watch all but the BYU v. San Diego State game this year, which is more that 2007, where I missed about half of the games.
8. Read more books. I finished 1776 which was on my list, and some other books. I didn't get through as many as I would have liked, but I definitely think that I made some improvement.
9. Maintain Finances better - I did, and it's none of your business beyond that point.
10. Write Joanna, Sarah and Kevin more frequently - I think I got like 2 letters out to the sisters-in-laws, and none to Kevin. :-(

And onto this year's resolutions -

1. Be more willing to serve - At home, in magnifing callings, in home teaching better, and in finding more interests in the community affairs.

2. Watch less ESPN 2 - :-)

3. Read more books

4. Call Family and friends more often

5. Write loved ones more often/ Blog more often

6. Qualify for Boston

7. Keep the Scoresby Scamper Cup in the Franzen Family

Beyond the resolutions, this year is already going to be great for the Franzens. Emily and I already have many positive experiences that are coming our way. I was telling my dad earlier that it almost seems unfair that we have it so good right now when so many other people are struggling. He told me not to worry about it because good times and bad times come to all. I guess he's right, but Emily and I certainly have everything that we need and more and 2009 is looking to be one heck of a year for us. I guess it is because we are surrounded by such wonderful people: most of our blog readers, missionaries, and our ward members.

It is my hope that all find prosperity, love, and peace. For me I find these sensations within my family and in the plan of salvation and they life me us and are what I depend upon when I am having a tough day. I summary, they bring me hope.

May 2009 bring you and yours many blessings, love, prosperity, hope and inspiration to comment on blogs. Keep in touch! You're what matters most to us.

Love, Preston

On Holiday

Here are a few pictures from our Thanksgiving in New Hampshire.

Mmmm, turkey.


The dessert table.


Some Franzens enjoying dinner. I managed to get Aunt Susan mid-bite.



Kim celebrating her Zimzam victory over Preston.


Now who do you think is really helping here?


These last two are at the Joseph Smith birthplace memorial, where we were able to see the lighting of the lights and the little Christmas pageant. They had a donkey named Forrest.

You know what I don't like?

I don't like those live traffic feeds, where you can see who's just arrived or left the blog and from where. Isn't that a little intrusive? I don't necessarily want people I know but never talk to to know that I just arrived on their blog. Let me surf in peace, I say!