Sunday, December 27, 2009

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}

Friday, December 25, 2009

It's here...

Merry Christmas!!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

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!}

Monday, December 14, 2009

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!}

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

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...

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

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!