The Twelve Friends of Christmas Twelve

Now that I am over twenty-seven hours late for this I would like to explain to you all why my parents are one of the greatest gifts of the season.

They are still together.  Despite hurt feelings and troubles and worries and finances and stress and raising five boys they are still together.  Sometimes I do not know what helps them, but I am thankful for it.  Once it was a son in the hospital.  Another time grapefruits helped them.  Miracles drop out of air and help them.  And when miracles were in short supply then counseling helped.  They both had to learn to listen and change, but when they would they really made something wonderful.

My parents are strong people.  It is probably why I'm so attracted to assertive people who are willing to fight for something they believe in.  Even if they are wrong, what matters to me is a cause, a reason, and a love.  That is the strength of the real fighter.  My mother loves the symbol of the wolf because the alpha-female takes a controlling and dominating role.  It isn't about being the strongest or the best, but she always taught us to work together.  She showed us that is the strength of a clan.

I think my mother really defined my character.  I try to live up to her standards of what a man should be.  I try to treat women as the equal they are but to always treat them a little differently.  A little special.  And not because they're women.  But because they are individual people.  She taught me to treat all people as individuals worthy of praise, respect, and personal love.  She showed me how to be charitable.  And not just with money.  Your time and attention are just as valuable.  You not only have more but you appreciate it more when you share what you have.  My mother is the one who helped me understand how important it is to see smiling Jesus.  Because that is what we should see of ourselves.  The simple and pure smile that comes from helping others and from loving them, not despite differences but because of differences.


And a lot of my joys come from both parents.  My dad showed me the depth of nature.  Hiking and running and camping can be fun.  Not for kids.  But as an adult it is really nice to live and be outside with only necessities.  And maybe a book or two.  And friends help too.  Oh, and I do love frisbees.  But anyway, nature is great.  And it really can bring you closer to the creator and other creations.  Which is fantastic.  Helps you understand the eternal nature of the spirit.  I think that is a big thing dad taught me.  How to apply the gospel to every day things.  How to look for miracles and tender mercies.  How to be thankful for being dependent, because I can't solve everything, I can't even really fix myself, but when I'm ready the way will be available.



Mom taught me a lot about loving art.  The music I enjoy mostly comes from her.  It was amazing how you could tell her mood by the music in the house.  But music and acting and dance and paintings and even buildings and textures.  I feel like all of it stemmed from my mother's love for trying out new things.  I learned it's okay to not know what you're getting yourself into.  It's fun even.  Just go with the flow, make friends along the way, and be nice (be really nice) because strangers can really help out.

I really love my parents.  I'm thankful for their patience and kindness.  They really gave me a lot.  And didn't kill me.  Which was really helpful.  I'm thankful that they've been willing to change when they're wrong.  And that they take the time to get to know each of us well enough to know (pretty well) how to parent us.  They took the time to get to know my serious girlfriends and especially my best friends.  They trusted me with them.  They trusted me enough to make mistakes (or maybe they were just too frustrated with me trying every hole and open door I found).  It has improved over time.  But I really appreciate having some great parents.

The Twelve Friends of Christmas Eleven

So, one of the great blessings from this last few months has been the Moores.  When I was figuring out that I was going to BYU this year I needed a place to stay and classes to take.  But the whole ordeal was stressing me out.  So I decided to not worry about it and deal with it when I got home.  Ya know, during the three weeks I'd have before the semester started.  Not the best idea, but I figured it'd work.  The night I got home from Sacramento I got a call from Travis.  He asked if I wanted to live with him and his brothers.  An awesome answer to prayers.

When I arrived at Chez Moore I was already feeling great.  The drive up with Landon was a lot of fun.  First time driving a truck like that.  We got to unload the truck, pick up a couch, switch out couches, help their cousin move (that was a few days later).  Adventures from the start.

They each have such idiosyncrasies.  Landon is the butt of everyone's jokes.  But fortunately the girls love him.  Mostly for his awkwardness that shows a inner kindness and deep patience.  And he destroys everything.  But only on accident.  Like our walls.  And the planter.  But he really is a decent guy.  Not always the best at communicating.  He thinks tea is disgusting.  And sometimes he offends people with his honesty.  But he really does try.  And he wants to help and will even if it means sacrificing for a friend.  And it is really just that he is open.  We love him because he puts up with us.

Jeremy is the studmuffin of the apartment.  Who doesn't love a man in uniform?  And now he's gonna take MMA classes.  Ridiculously strong for his size.  Do not tickle him unless you're prepared to defend yourself.  Seriously, he kinda hulks out when he is tickled.  Which just makes it more fun.  He is very musical.  And I love french horns.  And violins.  Some of my favorite instruments.  I remember pulling a handcart for hours one day at a celebration in Granite Creek Park years ago.  Just fun.  And we had some good double dates.  I kinda forced him sometimes, but it was always fun.  BYU has some great shows.


Travis Moore.  Oh dear.  The stories and history go way back.  He is Eric's best unrelated friend.  They've been conniving for almost a decade now.  Hearing their stories is inspiring for mischief.  Kinda like when Harry Potter finds out his dad was a juvenile delinquent.  He taught me seminary.  We planned ridiculous events.  Godfather.  Finals pillow fight.  Fugitive.  Trojan popcorn attack.  Life is just good.  The adventures are many.  The fun is great.  And the possibilities seem to only be limited by time.


I really love these guys.  They help me be active, have fun, not be too serious, and keep working hard.  I wouldn't trade my roommates for cheaper rent or a closer location.  Though, I suppose eventually I will trade them for a girl when I get married.

The Twelve Friends of Christmas Ten

I was kinda scared of coming to BYU.  I didn't know why I needed to go here.  I'm still figuring it out.  But it all works out.  And there is a lot in Provo that keeps me happy and impressed.

You know how sometimes you meet someone and then later find out you know them in a whole bunch of ways you didn't realize.  That's Tamarra.  She served on Temple Square with Jessica Wingate.  Her roommate, Rachel, went to Prescott with the Moores a while back.  She went to Jerusalem with JJ.  She is an editor for the newspaper for which Jeremy started writing.  And she started Sunday's Best.

When I go to her home I find myself at peace.  I can be open about anything.  Tamarra created a haven against judgment, stagnation, and evil.  That is what impresses me so much.  Tamarra is liberal in her love and views, but she makes no attempt to jump off the deep end.  She has no desire to offend people into doing something.  She just loves them.  She accepts them until they accept themselves enough to change.  And if that won't work she helps them come closer to Christ so that they'll have an even better example.  Tamarra is a heroine of change.  I really appreciate how I feel when I talk to her or when I'm at her home.

Some of the things I've learned because of Tamarra are as follow.  This church might be the only religion for feminists (feel free to discuss that because I wouldn't have believed it a month ago).  When we start worshiping a religion instead of God we lose sight of the goal.  The only changes that last are based on love.   It is okay to be angry at God, men, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as long as you keep moving somewhere.  Movement provides opportunities.  Sometimes we can help a group more by not being a part of it, but most of the time we've got to be close to the herd and in front if we want to steer it in a new and better direction.  It is hard to see a better path within the herd but it is possible.  It takes all kinds of leaders to keep a people together.  Some will be at the top and in the front.  Some have to be students in the classes or workers in the field earning trust and answering questions.  It's okay to be wrong about important things, as long as you can admit it to yourself and help the truth.  This Gospel is true, regardless of gender, race, religion, sexuality, politics, economic situation, fame, fortune, fear, faith, mental disorder, or self-identity.  My goal is to make it accessible and acceptable to all those people.


I am thankful for all the opportunities Tamarra has given me.  They really have changed who I am.  They have given me an outlet for my worries.  She has created a place where I can be myself, with all my quirks and quotes.  Life is good, Zion grows, and God loves us.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Nine

I happen to think that I had a great mission.  I love Sacramento.  I love California.  Seriously, they have the best fruit.  It's so beautiful.  I always enjoyed the weather.  Except, maybe, the cold rain.  I'm used to warm monsoon storms.  But, honestly, even the cold rain taught me something and helped me to appreciate life in a new way.

With all the people I love and the wonders of California, what really made my mission so wonderful was my companions.  I spent twenty-four hours a day with these guys.  Every day we'd go out and talk and teach and learn and it was great.  I did not always get along with them, but I love all of them and I learned a lot from each.

Elder Isaac Ostlund.  He was the most charitable missionary I met.  He really was just loving and kind and patient.  His attitude always lifted mine.  And he never gave me a reason to get down, even if I gave him many.  I spent the rest of my mission trying to emulate his kindness and joy.  He is a lot like JJ.

Elder Daniel Wyatt and I shared some of my favorite memories.  We served in Stockton together.  We were both young in our missions.  We made a lot of mistakes.  But it was awesome.  We wanted to learn and we were willing to try.  So yeah, we messed up sometimes, but we were teachable and came out on top because of it.  I'll never forget when Stockton flooded for two days.  We kept riding.

Elder Ryan Manwill, how I loved him.  He taught me a lot about the importance of loving what you do.  He loves mechanics.  He is so good at taking things apart and putting them back together.  One night his gear cable snapped.  By using a rock he was able to keep his bike in gear for the rest of the night.

Elder Mecklen Van Evera really brought a spark back into my mission.  We had so much fun in the hills of Camino.  It's okay to have fun and be happy even when doing serious work.  He made it okay to talk about music and cars and weapons and stuff, because it was what he loved and wanted to share.  He also loves the gospel and wanted to share that.  He showed me how to have balance.

Elder Sterling (precious metal) Duncan taught me so much.  Sometimes by being the best example and sometimes as a warning ;)  Our car got stuck so many times.  He stayed patient and helped me put on chains.  He puts out quite a strong personality, but he is so willing to follow direction obediently and help.  He showed me that it is okay to be scared and worried about something, because it means you get to see how creative the Lord is when He helps out.  He is really quite teachable and I was so thankful that he put up with me through a long winter.

Elder Thomas Stevenson is the Samoan wonder.  He kept me going through a hot summer.  His faith and endurance was amazing.  I loved hearing his stories from and loyalty to Samoa.  I don't know many missionaries who made the same sacrifices he had to make.  From rap concerts in the park to ukuleles in the apartment, we had some good times.

Elder Nelson Orton is such a fun guy.  I loved staying up late hearing about his stories (when I could stay up long enough...).  I have some of the funniest photos of him.  Teaching the homeless in downtown was always an adventure.  And it seemed like every single success we had was a time to celebrate.  He was so upbeat and excited for anything. He is so much like Caleb.

Elder John Cong Nguyen is a rockstar.  At least to me.  He is a missionary who is so open and ready to share his heart.  He is amazing at the guitar and I saw him use his talent to share the gospel.  And he connected so readily to everyone.  Oh yeah, and I loved hearing him sing.  Great voice.

Elder Pateriso Zepty!  Isn't he great?  I think so.  He is from the Kingdom of Marshall Isles.  He is so generous.  I never saw him not share something.  And he was so willing to work.  He barely spoke English but he never stopped trying.  He pushed himself harder than most missionaries I ever saw.

Elder Timothy Baumer and I wrestled.  As small as that might seem, it meant a lot.  We trusted each other.  He had individuality.  Boy could he ride a bike fast.  That was the only time I had trouble keeping up with someone on a bike.  Which was humbling and satisfying.  Crashing into him was a good day.  Not because I tore my pants or messed up our bikes a fair bit but because he didn't get angry.  I was almost angry at myself, but he just helped me get up and out of the road and then we took an inventory and kept going.  That takes a lot.

Elder Wyatt Jacobsen helped me to see how far I had come as a missionary (because he constantly built me up) and how far I still had to go (because he really complimented my weaknesses).  I was too comfortable in a lot of ways but he had a vision and desire.  I was more than welcome to join it, but only if I could keep up.  I couldn't have asked for more at the time.  He reminds me of Josh.

Elder Erik Brimhall.  The end of my mission was so grand because of this man.  Trips down to Stockton for medical tests.  The Crocker Art Museum.  Scaring him in the church.  Listening to the ukulele.  Working our tails off.  Sister B.  And never stopping work for fun or fun for work.  We just made sure we were doing both all the time.  I really never felt like more of a leader or more comfortable as a missionary.  He is a lot like Eric.  Endless energy and a real trooper.

These guys really did change my life.  I won't say I had the best mission but I humbly say my companions were hand-picked to help me.  I hope I returned the favor from time to time.

The Twelve Friends of Christmas Eight

This one kinda came as a surprise to me.  Amanda Garcia really has been a gem in my life.  We met in judo club a few years back.  She was so spry and fiery.  I was impressed by her writing and ability to express herself.  And, of course, sparring/wrestling with her was an experience both intimate and sensual.  We had fun.  I always remember us first holding hands while reading Les Mis together.  Good nights.

Amanda always impressed me with how she worked with people.  Though tiny, she wields a huge personality.  It connects people.  It gives energy and drive to others.  So once she gets them moving with her attitude she also can direct them with herideas and words.  She is very good at that.   But she has a good nature about it.  She isn't demanding or controlling, she just genuinely has great ideas and wants others to enjoy them as well.

I don't think we broke up on the best of terms.  I wasn't the best to her.  And her parents didn't like me, for fairly good reasons I think.  And I was leaving.  But when I got home we started talking again.  And a lot came up.  And a lot came out.  I found that Amanda is still a dear, kind, and trustworthy friend.  She is so accepting.  She is willing to wait and watch and think before acting.  So she can help a lot more.  I'm impressed with her loyalty and love.  Her openness is something I'd love tofind.  And her joy is really unmatched.  I think she's great.  Thank you Amanda, you really are a gift.

The Twelve Friends of Christmas Seven

Late but not forgotten.  It's another lovely day of Christmas.  Except, it hasn't really snowed since I got home.  It's sad.  But you know what isn't sad?  My brothers!  You see, we fought like cats and dogs for years.  And then something happened.  I'm not sure what.  We graduated.  Moved out.  Got jobs.  And somewhere we started appreciating each other, calling each other, and playing more (but without the violence).  We all sing, dance, play instruments, play sports (poorly but excitedly), and enjoy much of the same things.  We read a lot.  We prank a lot.  We're like a pile of puppies, even now.  It's really nice.


Caleb is super creative.  He taught himself how to sew hats for a friend's birthday party.  He is compassionate and has learned a lot about helping others.  One of my favorite jobs was working with Caleb and Tracey for a couple weeks.  We went to Mile High Middle School and tore through their theater.  We took apart lights, fixed cables, readjusted curtains, fixed so many safety hazards, cleaned things up, and did a pretty bang up job I dare say.  It was neat to see how hard he can work and that he is really good at anything he wants to try at.  I love him, he's great.



Eric brings a smile to everyone's face.  He has so much energy.  It's infectious.  I really appreciate how happy he is and how much fun he has just because he can.  It's helped me get out of my funks.  It's helped us plan ridiculous things because we found out, under Eric's leadership, that ridiculous things do work as long as you've got friends helping.  I'm still sorry I wrecked the truck...  Eric inspired me to start a game of The Godfather.  He got me interested in doing theater and maybe being a techie.  He was a good example in high school and helped me know how to choose good friends.  I really appreciate how much he's done for me, especially the stuff he didn't need to be around for.


JJ with his curly hair and sly smile was always a force to be reckoned with.  Gentle.  Affirmative.  Gung-ho.  Empathetic.  Smart and educated (a deadly combo).  It seems like his main goal has always been to be better than himself, which tends to be better than most of us.  Mortality frustrates him not because it means life ends but because it means he can't accelerate every step along the way.  Eventually you'd reach the speed of light and disappear and that'd be more hassle than it'd be worth.  I've always felt a deep connection to him.  I think most people do.  I think it's because he listens.  So serenely.  He is at such peace with who he is that it doesn't matter what you share with him.  If it is good and full of light then he will absorb it.  Otherwise, his surety protects him from darkness, even as he lets it drain from others.  It's a special trait.  I respect and revere him for such lightness in a dark and heavy world.


Josh has one of the best families.  Seriously.  I look at those kids and see how much their parents love them and each other.  They make it work.  Because they work.  They work at being patient.  They work at communicating.  They work at being better.  That has always impressed me about Josh, he works so hard.  At everything.  He was a great musician, scholar, brother, lawyer, singer, inventor, and at life because he works so hard at it all.  He is willing to change as long as he has direction.  I am so thankful when he calls me.  It's random.  Neither of us usually have much time.  But it is so nice to talk.  Getting to know him better has been so much fun.  I am so thankful for his experience, love, and openness.


That's the family.  They're the ones I know I can always turn to.  I love them.  Always will.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Six

There has been a lot of wonderful people I've met at BYU.  People from the ward, from dance, from class, and from random conversations.  It's been great.

There is Jordan from Sacramento, California.  Elk Grove actually, but hardly anyone knows where that is.  And despite living very close to her on and off for over a year, I never met her while living in California.  She is a cheerleader.  Not the high school kind but the competitive and super impressive routine kinds.  She's a little crazy, but a delight.  Lots of energy.  Spunk.  That's a good word for her.  She likes dancing, entertaining others, and being liked.  Which might sound weird but she really likes to make people happy and feel comfortable.  She really does a good job planning events and making them work.

There is also Kenyon from Florida.  A photographer.  I think she has to have some of the best parents I've heard about.  And she takes after them rather well.  Outspoken, very caring, and one of the most accepting people I know.  She places a lot of value on friendship and camaraderie.  And boy is she a conspirator.  She is really just a fun gal.  Good to talk to and a good teacher.

Brooke is one of the sweetest people I've met.  She takes care of everyone.  She bakes like none other.  She has a wonderful voice.  And despite being a leader and planning she is so enthusiastic to support other people and their plans.  She makes you feel appreciated and special.  And just because she cares.  About everyone.  It's nice.

There are many other wonderful people I'd like to call out as well.  Jason, Celeste, Kristi, Brock, Will, Kathy, Zina, Francis, Brittany, and so many more.  Just super neat people out here.  I love it.

The Twelve Friends of Christmas Five

The Natalies!  Aren't they sweet.  As amazing as it is there are four Natalies who happened to be in my life right now.  Four!  Ridiculous.  But a wonderful blessing as they are all some of the sweetest gals you could meet.

Natalie the Elder (Campbell, formerly known as Bonnet).  She married my brother!  She's an adventurer.  Seriously, she can keep up with Travis and Eric and that is a feat rarely attempted by women so you know she is special.  An elusive butterfly.  Deeply religious with a tempered testimony of truth.  She often inspires me to repent and be better.  A brilliant microbiologist.  Very smart all around.  And she likes Tegan and Sara, just fantastic.

Natalie Bedard.  She is a Canuck and soon to be German.  Can you get triple citizenship?  She speaks English, French, and German.  I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't pick up a few other languages in her life.  She graduates soon in environmental engineering (if it hasn't changed in the last couple years).  She spent a summer in Germany doing research.  Oh, did I mention she has one of the strongest testimonies of anyone I've met.  Another inspiration of mine to live this Gospel I love so dearly.

Natalie Harman.  I met her in my dance class.  We first met while doing a Greek dance and then became friends after several hours of folk dancing at a recreation night.  She kick-boxes.  She taught herself to play guitar and often writes music for her favorite poems so she can sing them.  She also plays piano and has a lovely voice.  She wants to do it all and has the potential to do so.  She is very thoughtful and takes care of those around her.  Very open about the gospel she always makes sure to talk about it in a comfortable and non-confrontational way.  It shows the peace we're supposed to find in the message.  She really is a sweetheart.

And the other Natalie (I never learned her last name).  She was my dance partner when I learned how to do a Mexican Polka.  Such a funny gal.  She is married.  And one of the most happily married people I've met.  She just loves her hubby.  And she talks about it.  Not in an awkward or obsessed or superior way, just pure love for a guy that she just can't keep inside.  Also, she called me out.  I appreciated it.  She called me out for flirting with her when she is married.  My response was that I don't think you should treat a friend differently just because they're married or single.  But that takes some chutzpah.  I had to seriously look at my actions because of that.  And I'm thankful for it.  It helped me change and act differently.  Which I need.

So, to all four of you, thank you.  I consider you all wonderful parts of this last semester and gifts in my life.  You're great!

The Twelve Friends of Christmas Four

Please forgive me again, I promise it's still Saturday in Provo, which is what I'm used to.

Today guest is Nicholas Ortega.  Well, we just call him Nick.  Actually, we call him Raqel (pronounced just like Rachel.  He's French {he isn't actually but it adds to my joy}).

A while back we realized we're actually the same person.  Same interests.  Same attractions.  Life is good.

He's leaving on his mission in February.  Actually, his time spent at Chez Moore is as miraculous as mine.  He found out he was gonna spend another semester at BYU a couple days before the semester started.  So he called around for free space.  He found the Moores.  It's been great.

His scarves.  The many nights where he'd get home after midnight because he walking someone home or studying into the wee hours of the morning.  Kenyon Appreciation Days!  Bedtime stories.  Spiritual Sunday Cinemas.  Luqel, I really am great :)  And he's from California!  Isn't that great.  I think so.

It's been fun.  Thank you Raqel.  I mean Nick.  I'm a great guy and I hope I really enjoy Brazil.  Best of luck friend.

The Twelve Friends of Christmas Three

Today we're giving a shout out to Badger, also known as Alex Lewis or Travis' girlfriend.

She's a dancer.  From Las Vegas.  Oh, it gets better.  She is one of the best liars I've ever met and a talented conspirator.  Yet she is also one of the most gentle, open, trusting people I've known.  She jokes around a lot, yeah, but she goes to great lengths to make sure everyone is having a good time and feels accepted.  I aspire to the way she treats others.  She is willing to try anything and expand herself.

Whether it is having a huge box full of popcorn and a Travis inside her house or jokes about her having a boy's name or constant mocking of her extreme clean needs she takes it in stride.  She can take just as intense of a joke as she gives out.  Hikes to hot springs.  Teaching us yoga (or really just dance stretches).  Keeping Travis busy.  Bedtime stories.  The enormous and frequent ward activities and great home evenings.  She is a gem.  And definitely one of my favorites from BYU.

Thank you Badger.  Merry Christmas.

The Twelve Friends of Christmas Two

As with everything else going wrong today, I forgot to post this yesterday.  So I'm adding two names to my list today.

Amanda Shapter.  She is my best friend.  What haven't we done together?  A lot actually, which is one of my favorite things about her.  She has always supported me except when I'm about to do something stupid or that might hurt someone else.  She checks me.  Also, she has led me on many a wonderful adventure and is a great planner of exciting events.  But through it all she has never pushed me to be anyone that I am not.  Amanda never pushed me to drink or to be unchaste.  She has always honored and respected my boundaries and needs.  For that I love her.

I miss the jokes and wry smiles when we know what we're thinking.  I miss talking about boys and beaus and the ridiculousness of our lives.  Knitting, I miss the knitting.  The long talks in my parking lot or over a look out or anywhere we were when one of us needed to talk.  The cuddling.  The naps on her bed before going to dinner at NAU.  Physics...awesome.  She always saved me a seat because I was always almost late with frozen hair.  I still have the doodles in my notebook from her.  When I get tired of economics I let myself get distracted by them.  Physics lab was pretty fun too.  Dead trees.  I love dead trees and trees in winter.  She gave them a whole new life to me.  Especially when they have a sunset as their background.

I love you Amanda Shapter.

The Twelve Friends of Christmas One

So, for the next twelve days I will hold myself to writing about a friend being thought of this season with fondness and thanks.

Today's guest star is Claire Wasserman.  There is never an end to the good things I can say about Claire.  Whenever I see a violin, a duck, Arabic culture, African culture, new adventures, I <3 Oregon paraphernalia, tea, clay sculptures, and a multitude of everyday nature I am reminded of her and some story we have (I usually lose the game as well).

In terms of unique people I know she is at the top.  She travels.  She speaks three languages.  She is as fascinated about cultures as I am.  Studied abroad in Jordan and in Senegal.  Attending Lewis and Clark University.  A veritable genius of kindness, reasoning, and learning.

I miss her banter.  Making pizzas.  Huge piles of people watching movies at her house.  Watching the sunset with her and Amanda in her backyard.  Holidays.  Our "Save the Whales" project sophomore year in Sherrill's class.  She has saved my life several times.  Physically.  Socially.  She still helps me find my identity and how I'm oriented in this life.  I love her dearly and consider seeing her to be one of the greatest gifts this season will bring me.

الحمد لله