a year in review

{warning: this post is very revealing...}

Another year is coming to a close and it is time once again to reflect on the past...and look forward to new things in the future. This is actually something I have been thinking about for a very long time, but today just sort of solidified my conviction. So I would like to share a couple of things with you, my blogging friends.

Church today was amazing! The Relief Society lesson was powerful and just made me want to be a better person. But in Sunday School we talked about the year in review. The teacher had four people stand up and tell their favorite scripture that has meant something to them this last year and how it has helped them and may possibly continue to help them or someone else in the future. The scriptures shared were great, and the stories were even better. I started thinking about what one scripture has meant the most to me this year...but before I share the scripture, I will give you a little rundown of my 2009 and how this scripture touched my life.

I am not going to lie...2009 has been a very hard year for me. A lot of changes have taken place, and it was not until recently that I have realized that those changes are really for the better. There was the hunt for a new roommate, a loss of hours and pay at work, changes in church callings (side note: I got calling #3 at church today...I am now the Relief Society pianist to go along with my Relief Society teacher and Activities committee callings), changes in friends and just other stresses associated with being a 28 year old single girl trying to make it on her own. And honestly, some of the biggest stresses of the year were because of boys, a lack of boys, or just one boy in general. I regret making certain decisions because I thought I was in love. I know I lost a lot of time, waiting for things to happen or changes to be made...when in reality, I knew nothing ever would happen or change. I wish I knew how to forget about the past and move on with life. I wish I had sufficient faith to believe that everything will work out in the end and that I will find someone who loves me back. But you know what, if it never happens for me, it's ok. I have a good feeling that things are going to get better.

Which leads me to the scripture that has meant the most for me this last year. If you haven't figured out already, I was kind of depressed...a lot. I found myself struggling with my faith. I found myself struggling to smile. I found myself just struggling to get through certain days. I remember one night, about the same time I decided to change my focus and get my life back in order, that I was having a particularly hard time. I don't really remember the circumstances, but I remember opening my scriptures and seeing this passage in Psalms 46:5. It says,

"God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early."

It hit me like a ton of bricks! I immediately started crying (my emotions are very crazy lately) and I felt this automatic feeling of peace. I knew that God would help me get through this difficult time...and any hard times in the future. And you know what? He has!

I can't say that it's all been sunshine and lollipops since then. I am human. I falter. I have made mistakes. But I am doing better. And I know that I can really accomplish anything that I put my mind to, with God's help. Things are already looking up. And I have no doubt that it will continue.

About 3 weeks ago my co-worker was telling me about an email she had received with ideas to help you set and accomplish goals. She said that you should write 9 things (things you have control over) that you want to accomplish on a piece of paper in red pen. Then you are supposed to read those 9 things every morning and night for 9 days. Number one, I don't own a red pen, and number 2, I wanted this experiment to last longer than 9 days. I decided at that moment to make a list of 9 things that I wanted to accomplish in 2010 (then I added one more item that I have no control over...just for fun) and I have looked at it everyday since then. And I would encourage you to do the same! Afterall, if you don't post your goals somewhere that you can see them everyday, they are quickly forgotten. So, I would like to share my {extremely personal} list with you:

1. I will go through the temple (already in the works. June. Nauvoo temple. It's time...)
2. I will lose 50 lbs by my birthday (Mmmm...Dr. Fountis here I come!)
3. I will exercise regularly (already have the gym membership, just need to figure out how to set the alarm and actually get out of bed when it goes off...)
4. I will read the Bible (started a few months ago...may not finish the whole thing...but I can try)
5. I will look for the positive in all situations (probably the thing I will struggle with the most on this list)
6. I will find time to serve and fulfill my callings (so many callings, so little time. Just kidding!)
7. I will organize and declutter (have you seen my room?)
8. I will communicate more frequently (aimed toward my friends in Utah)
9. I will scrapbook more (happiness...)
10. I will get asked out on a date (I can always dream, right?)

So there you have it. My extremely personal goals for your viewing pleasure. I look forward to all the changes that will take place in 2010. Like I said before, I have been thinking a lot about this lately. I embrace my imperfections and I look forward to my newest journey. In fact, I made myself a little Christmas present with just that saying on it:
This truly is my theme for the year 2010. And I cannot wait!

{Happy New Year}

It's here...

Merry Christmas!!

yes it's Christmas time...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Sadly, it has taken me a very long time to get excited about Christmas this year...but I finally think I am there now. Ever since I have lived in AZ, Christmas just doesn't feel the same. Maybe it's the lack of snow, or even the lack of cold. It wasn't until the Branch gift exchange on Monday that I finally allowed myself to believe that Christmas time is here. And I love it!

I apologize for slacking in my blogging duties lately. Life has been slightly crazy, but I am grateful for the craziness because it means I have a life. Woohoo! So, a lot has happened the last little while: there have been Christmas parties, trips to Utah (I didn't take a single picture while there...that is why I never blogged about it), baking, work insanity, etc. And then this happened:

Let me tell you a little story about this picture. You see, I decided that I wanted to make a whole bunch of homemade Christmas gifts this year for my family and friends. The slice on my middle finger is a result of that. I can't tell you what I made yet (because the gifts haven't all been opened), but a lot of glass was handled, and several slices were created in my fingers. That one in the picture above is just the worst. And then, to top things off, I made some cute little treat baskets to hand out for my friends here in AZ. As I was making the presents, sitting at my kitchen table, I decided to scoot myself forward in my chair. However, this chair is broken and the seat part is actually not attached to the chair. So in my force to move forward, my pointer finger got smashed in between the seat and chair part. Ahh!!! It took everything inside of me not to say a naughty word or cry. I wanted to do both. Anyway, an immediate bruise formed under my nail. This picture was taken a day after the incident, and the bruise had dissipated quite a bit by that point. But I am happy to report that my finger is now back in full use and the bruise is visible, but almost gone. The nail is still sore to the touch though. So, I may never make homemade Christmas gifts again...

Last weekend, after my work party, my co-worker and I decided to bake our little hearts out. Last year we got together and made all sorts of Christmas goodies to hand out to friends and neighbors, so I am thinking this will have to be a yearly tradition now. It was so much fun hangin' out with Joey. Here is a little peek at some of the goodness we made:

Some of the treats were given to co-workers, some were eaten by me, but the majority went toward my AZ friend gifts. Call me lazy, but I invited everyone over to my house a couple of days before Christmas for a pre-Christmas game night...but really it was a simple way to hand out Christmas gifts without having to make any effort and/or leave my house. Hehehe!

Here are the yummy treats I made to eat while playing games:

And here are the little treat bags (courtesy of my amazing aunt) for my guests to take home with them:

Game night was a good time. I love hangin' out with my branch friends! The only sadness of the night was that we played The Great Dalmuti TWICE! Here are some candid shots (that Daja took) from the night:

{Merry Christmas everyone!}

hello!!!!!!!!!!

I'm back {and finally warm}. I had such a great time with my friends and family. Didn't get to see the niece and nephews long enough, but a trip around spring/summer is definitely in the works.

Utah was all sorts of fun in circles!!!

{hehehe...love ya Amos!}

Danny

This post is dedicated to my pal Danny. I promised him that I would write a blog all about him and leave it up the whole time I was in Utah so everyone could see just how special he is. But...I changed my mind. So the rest of this blog will be about the good times I had at the Temple lights with my gal pals on Monday.

The Branch headed to the temple to see the lights and to listen to a high school choir performance. You may find this hard to believe, but it was freezing cold. I am sure you have all noticed that a huge winter storm is blowing through the US, and Monday just happened to be our day to get it. It rained most of the day and the wind chill was bitter cold. So we didn't feel like sitting on wet, cold chairs and decided to stand during the concert. After about 20 minutes we got bored. So the camera came out and the pictures below are the result:











I had a ton of fun hangin' out with Daja, Stephanie, Sandy, Tawnya and Priscilla. I love my branch and I love Temple lights!

So now I am off to see my friends in Utah. I am so freaking excited to see them! I am just sad that I am still suffering from my never-ending cold and that I will be surrounded by so much cold while I am there. Oh well. It will be worth it! I will catch up to you next week...

Bring on Christmas!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...and I LOVE IT!!!

It all started last Tuesday, when I made this fall-like beauty that I am so proud of:

After my final cake decorating class I went home and took down all of my Thanksgiving decorations. I know, I know, Thanksgiving was on Thursday...but I had to! I knew I would be gone until Sunday, and I was excited to decorate for Christmas...and I didn't want any Thanksgiving decorations in my way to waste my time...

Wednesday I drove with the parentals to the cabin for a few days of peace, relaxation, and Thanksgiving goodness. Much needed after the week I had just been a part of. There was a whole lot of ATV riding, Zigity playing, football watching, eating and other pleasant things going on.

Thanksgiving day was fantastic! Turkey cooked in the pit, stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams, rolls, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie and/or pumpkin cheesecake, a glass of bubbly (aka Martinelli's sparkling cider)...mmm mmm good!!! Perhaps my favorite part of the day was hearing my nephew, Luke, list the things he was thankful for. Here is his list:

1. Adam & Eve: "Because without them," he says, "none of us would be here." Good point, kiddo!

2. Family

3. Kurt Warner

4. Tim Hightower

5. Beanie Wells

6. Larry Fitzgerald

That's my boy! Football players are who I am most thankful for too! I mean, who doesn't love a man in uniform??!! Which leads me into my next topic...

I have to mention my absolute favorite part of the weekend with you because I can. I think I earned the right to trash talk. I am pretty sure a few of you already know what I am talking about, but for those of you who don't...I am referring to college football rivalry week. More importantly, I am talking about the BYU vs Utah game. I have been going to BYU games since I was a wee babe. Not a lie. And I LOVE BYU FOOTBALL!!! Sadly, the majority of my friends do not. And they let me know it. I love this time of year because I can send text messages back and forth to my friends in Utah while the game is being played and it just makes the game that much more fun. So to my Utah fan friends, I want you to know that I still love you. But my team won! And really, that is what's important...

SIT DOWN!!!

So that was pretty much my Thanksgiving weekend. It was phenomenal. Well, maybe not that great...because I did end up getting a cold while I was there. But I am starting to feel better now. When I got home on Sunday I put up the majority of my Christmas decorations. I have slowly been putting ornaments on my tree and adding the finishing touches the last few days. There is just something about sitting on the couch in your home, with nothing but the Christmas tree lights on, wrapped in a blanket, and sipping on some hot chocolate that is just magical.

This IS the most wonderful time of the year!

So thankful...

What a week! What a month! What a life! It's been crazy folks! And I am sure the craziness will continue. I will spare you the details {mostly because I don't have time to write about them}...


However, I just wanted to take a minute and express some gratitude for the many blessings that are mine:

First and foremost is the fam. They are amazing! Can't wait to get away from Mesa and head up to the cabin for a few days with them. Quality time away from the world with my cute little nephews...nothing could be better {unless, of course, a sexy, single man was involved}. And, I look forward to spending a few precious moments with the Utah kids next month too.

My friends are fantastic! I am thrilled to death to see my girls in Utah next month! I could not ask for a better bunch to associate with. They love me {no matter the size of my waistline} and I love them too!

And, of course, I have some fabulous friends in AZ. I couldn't have made it through some of these last months without them. They have no idea how much they have meant to me. Love them!

My Branch rocks! Seriously, this has been one of the biggest blessings in the last year or so. A true answer to prayer and exactly what I need in my life right now.

I can't mention the Branch without mentioning the church. Words cannot describe the happiness that comes from being a member of this church and by living the gospel. If you are not a member, you should look into it! All good stuff!

And then there are the little, simple blessings of everyday life like a car that now works, a job that I like most days, a house that is divine, the Backstreet Boys, etc.

I am a happy girl and for that I am thankful...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

New Moon

Well, I saw the new Twilight movie last night...or I should say this morning. And I am happy to report that it was 7000 times better than the first one! LOVED IT!!! And now I am at work, after getting approximately 3 1/2 hours of sleep. I am kind of tired...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!

Just when everything starts looking up and I am making fun new changes, something else comes around and kicks me in the panties. Well this morning I got kicked...hard. It started the way any usual day starts, me pushing snooze a million times, not quite ready to wake up and go to work. But then I realized that I needed to get gas before going to work, so I tried to get ready a little faster. I walk out the door, put the key in the ignition, turn the key, and nothing happens! Just some little pictures lighting up on the dash, but no clicking noise or anything. I immediately feel sick to my stomach. Did I leave a light on all night? What the heck happened? So, I call my mother and wake her up to tell her the news. Neither of us are really car savvy, so she suggested I call my brother. My dear, sweet brother drives the 30 minutes to my house and checks my battery. He thinks it's dead. So we take it to the franchise I got my last battery from a little over a year ago (my brother rescued me that time too). They confirm that my battery is in fact toast. Luckily, it is under warranty, so a free battery is handed over. We drive back to my house, put in the new battery and turn the key. Nothing. But this time the nothing is a whole lot more nothing that the last nothing. Confused? This time there were no dome lights on in the car, no little pictures flashing on the dash...absolutely nothing. To make a long story shorter, my car was left in my garage. My brother drove me to my parents' house and I am now driving their beast. How thankful I am that my parents have a car available for me to use! So now, I am at a loss. I have no idea what is wrong with my car, I cannot get it out of my garage unless I tow it, and who knows how much money it will cost me. Geez! I am barely making ends meet as it is. A car problem is definitely not in the budget. Oh well. It will all work out I am sure.

Which leads me to my happiness for the day. For years now I have been receiving LDS Nuggets in my inbox a few times a week. And for years, I have never looked at them or even knew what they were. It was only about 3 weeks ago that I decided it was time I check them out. And, to put it simply, they are just little thoughts or quotes related to a gospel topic intended to bring you comfort and joy. Well, today I got one in my inbox and it was PERFECT! So, I would like to share it with you:

"For those who are discouraged by their circumstances and are therefore tempted to feel they cannot serve the Lord this day, I make you two promises. Hard as things seem today, they will be better in the next day if you choose to serve the Lord this day with your whole heart. Your circumstances may not be improved in all the ways which you desire. But you will have been given new strength to carry your burdens and new confidence that when your burdens become too heavy, the Lord, whom you have served, will carry what you cannot. He knows how. He prepared long ago. He suffered for your infirmities and your sorrows when He was in the flesh so that He would know how to succor you." -Henry B. Eyring, "This Day", Ensign, May 2007, 89-91

Isn't that perfect? I thought so. And I have decided that I am going to serve today. I am going to forget about myself and my problems, and help someone else in need.

a season of change

Ya know, sometimes I really miss seasons. Here in Arizona it is either freaking hot or warm. There is no in between. And there is definitely no fall or winter. I miss seeing the changing leaves. I miss an occasional snowstorm (emphasis on occasional). Yep, I miss the seasons.

But just because the seasons don't change does not mean that change is not in the air. Change is very much in the air...in my air.

First and foremost is my change of church calling. I just got called to be on the activities committee, with an emphasis on the bulletin board (hello, right up my alley...it's like a giant scrapbook page!), missionary board and running the website (I don't have a clue how to do that). I also got called to be a Relief Society teacher (yikes!). I must admit, though, that I am very excited about this change. Maybe not as excited as I was when I was called to be the Enrichment leader, but just about there! Our small little singles Branch has changed a lot in the last couple of months, and I LOVE the changes! Family Home Evening activities are much better, communication is much better, everything is just great. I LOVE my Branch!

Speaking of the Branch, that relates to another change I am going through. As most of you know, my BFF in AZ is named Sarah and she just got married last week (pics coming soon). For quite a while Sarah and I were inseparable. We did everything together and we planned lots of fun parties and social gatherings. My life was social, and I loved it. Then Sarah met a boy and practically fell off the planet. It was not that I was lonely, but I just wasn't putting myself out there to others. I didn't feel like I was without friends, but I just felt like I was without close friends...no one I would feel comfortable calling on a Friday night begging to hang out with me. Well, within the last month or two I have formed quite a gathering of good friends, and for that I am eternally grateful. Maybe I won't be sitting down and telling these people my deepest, darkest secrets...but I feel comfortable asking them to hang out with me if I want to. I love my Wednesday night parties to watch SYTYCD and Glee. I love game nights. And, I love that my new friends can convince me to go to the midnight showing of New Moon this Thursday...especially since I didn't love the first Twilight movie and I have to work on Friday. Friends are great!!!

Don't get me wrong, I love old friends too. And that is why I am so happy to announce that I am visiting Utah in December! I get to see my girls and experience a wee bit of white before Christmas. I cannot wait!!! I am lucky to have some of the best friends in the world! And what makes me even happier is that they throw parties every time I am in town! Woohoo for friends!

Anyway, I just wanted to share a few of my thoughts with you. The only thing that is constant is change, and I am actually happy to accept these new changes.

a love affair

I bet you didn't know that I was still taking cake decorating classes did you? The reason I haven't posted about it is because course 2 did not require the making of a cake until the very last week. And let's just face it...my final cake was less than stellar. Here is a picture of my flower basket/horribly ugly bird cake:

I did love making the flowers and love how they turned out, but I had some issues putting a bird on my cake (I am not a fan of birds and it makes me sad that birds are on everything...especially in the scrapbook world). However, since I was the only person who actually brought my completed bird to class my classmates coaxed me into adding it. And don't even get me started on the basketweave. I was not in the mood for cake decorating that night and didn't feel like taking my time and evenly spacing my weaves. But, the whole cake was a disaster from the beginning. I had issues with the filling and by the time I got to class my cake was spilling out the sides and practically falling over. Anyway, enough of my ranting. It was what it was and now it's over and gone. But here is proof that I successfully completed course 2:


Now on to my love affair. I just started course 3 which is a fondant based class. We made our first cake on Tuesday and I am so pleased with the way my cake turned out. We made a square cake to look like a present, and I think it is the cutest present ever!!! So, for your viewing pleasure, I have taken a picture from nearly every angle of my cake and have posted a few for you:
Honestly, what is not to love? The little details just make my heart sing! I hate the taste of fondant, but I certainly love plastering it on my cake!!! I would much rather work with fondant than buttercream icing. It is a dream come true! I loved every minute of this cake class. It certainly made up for my dislike of course 2. I can't wait to make more! Stay tuned for the week of Thanksgiving when I make my final wedding-like tiered cake. It is going to be really pretty! And then, I will take a cake decorating break and stop spending money on silly cake decorating supplies. Until then, here is a present for you:

TODAY

I slept longer than I anticipated. I was running a little late. I nearly got killed while driving to work...TWICE. I am tired.

But then...I blasted my new and delicious Backstreet Boys CD. I saw a hot air balloon. And I saw a man riding a motorcycle with super short shorts.

And it made everything BETTER.

Halloween...a li'l late

Halloween this year was pretty fun. Or I should say, the day before Halloween this year was pretty fun. Because Halloween landed on a Saturday this year, we celebrated on Friday at work. I woke up extra early just to do my hair to look baby-like (meaning short):

What can I say, I really like taking pictures of myself when my hair is super curly. And sadly, I get ready with a tank top on, so I look naked-ish...sorry! Unfortunately, my hair never quite does what I hope it will, so the cute curly flocks you see above did not quite look so cute by the time I got to work. The bangs just would not cooperate {which you will see later}. As I posted previously, I dressed up as a big cry baby for work. My co-workers really loved the costume, but I pretty much felt like a freak all day. And trying to actually work was a chore. It's days like that where you just want to play and have fun...not work. We did have a little pot luck lunch, but that was the extent of our party.

Flash forward to later that evening. My pals and I had decided a while ago that a Halloween party would be a good idea. Sandy would provide the decorations, Tricia would provide the food and I would provide the entertainment. I was very happy with that arrangement and have decided that I really do like planning parties. I had such a good time coming up with ideas of games to play at the party, and also came up with super cheap ways to play those games. But before we get to that, take a look at the amazing food spread we had:

Tricia just might be a little insane...

And, of course, the decorations were amazing. There were some great tombstones lining the walls with the most unusual writings on them. Here are some of our friends from the party:

We had a smaller turn out that I would have liked, but it still turned out pretty fun. Here we are playing muscial tombstones {sorry again about the quality of photos...my camera has not been cooperating}:

And...my favorite picture of the night: Andy and Mike fighting to get their foot on the tombstone:
We also had a skeleton building race:

...played Boo Bingo:

...and, of course, pin the mouth on the mummy:

However, the real excitement of the night was the photo booth set up in the front room! If you have never had a photo booth at your party, you don't know what you are missing {or you just don't have the right connections}:

Here are a few of my favorite shots of me and my friends in the photo booth:

Me and Jenna puckering up

Me and Stephanie wondering if this party can get any better

Me wanting to take a bite out of Stephanie and Tricia's faces

Me and my roomie showing our jazz hands

And me, sad because my hair sucks and my bangs suck even more.

There were several other pictures taken that warranted posting, but I don't have access to them and don't really feel like scanning them in. Can you say lazy?? It was a fun party and I am so grateful to have such amazing friends in my life right now. You guys are AWESOME!!! Thanks for an extra happy Halloween!