Lessons & Accomplishments of 2011

As the old year passes and the new year approaches, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some lessons and accomplishments from this year.

In 2011, I learned that asking for help, while extremely hard at times, is important. I am still trying to implement this principle in my life. I know that I can't do everything as much as I think I can. My visiting teachers and other friends have come to my aid and rescued me from the "dragons" that I faced. I witnessed the example my brother's family gave me of accepting help. They were probably most influential in teaching me this lesson.

In 2011, I learned the blessings of tithing. I had previously gained a testimony of tithing by not paying it in previous years. This year, I really strived to pay my tithing no matter how hard it felt. Let me tell you, there were a few months where it took every ounce of my faith to write and hand in my check. Because I have religiously paid my tithing, I have witnessed a few financial miracles. I've had a general peace about my finances. I have been able to better manage my money (for the most part) to live off my paychecks.

One miracle that stands out is the day my a headlight on my car burned out. I was down to my last dollar till my next paycheck with nothing to spare. A co-worker purchased a jewelry order from me. As I was driving to the bank to deposit the money from the order, I noticed my headlight was out. I was then able to immediately buy a replacement bulb and resolve the problem. That experience may seem like nothing special to you, but I recognize the timing of that blessing.

In 2011, I overcame a roadblock in my life that I had forgotten was there. It took moving to Utah and meeting an amazing friend to change my life in a way that resolved years of trying to avoid that particular roadblock.

In 2011, I completed my first quilt made entirely by me! I enjoyed that project immensely. I love seeing my quilt appear in pictures posted of the baby recipient on Facebook. I love hearing the compliments about my quilt given to the mother. At one point, the mother teased me that she received more comments on the beautiful quilt than on the cuteness of her baby!

In 2011, I learned the importance of working a job that I enjoy. After going through a bad situation in a job that I dreaded, finding my current job was a God-send... literally. The day after I quit my first job, I met the employment specialist in my ward. I didn't know she was the employment specialist at the time. I told her about my need for a new job, and she promptly helped me revise my resume. She helped me find a job faster than I ever could have on my own. Just as an needless piece of information, I have now worked at this job longer than any other job in my work history!!

In 2011, I experienced the greatest loss in my life so far. However, out of that, I have learned to trust in the Lord's timing and tender mercies.

This last year has been a roller coaster of a ride! Here's to a the year 2012!

Happy New Year my friends!

You Know It is Really Cold When...

1. The radio announcer is looking forward to returning to 30 degree weather.

2. The room temperature pot of water steams as you dump it outside.

3. Your checks feel and look sunburned once you return inside.

4. Wearing two pairs of gloves doesn't keep your fingers warm.

Warm wishes for a safe December!

A Tribute of Gratitude

Like most people, I have pondered gratitude a lot this month. I decided to focus on people I am grateful for this month. While I am grateful for the influence of so many people in my life, I want to dedicate this post to a just few!

Frazzled to Peaceful in 0.2 Moments

Wow... Has it really been almost a month since my last post? I need to jump back into the blog world and keep this updated. Hopefully, I will take the time this week to post pictures of my completed sewing projects.

Laboring to the T

On Labor Day, some of my brother's family and I hiked to the Tooele T. It was a fun, exhausting adventure! We parked in the wrong area, so it was a longer hike than we expected. I almost didn't make it all the way, but I am so glad I did. I really needed to accomplish something so challenging to prove to myself that I can do anything I put my mind and effort to!

I was SO sore after that hike! I will admit that I fell a few times on the way down, resulting in bruises where I sit! Ah, sitting at work  the next day was quite the task!

Below is a picture of my nieces and nephew with me sitting on the T, and a picture of the view from the T.

Here's to the new adventures ahead!

Attempting to Juggle

Many things have happened in the last month since moving into my new place. Our ward is functioning now, complete with a Relief Society presidency and soon-to-be Elders Quorum. I, unsurprisingly, have been called as one of the ward organists. I know, big surprise right? I knew that as soon as I opened my mouth and admitted to playing the organ I was in for it! I actually enjoy playing this organ. It is forcing, rather providing an opportunity for me to learn to play the foot pedals.

I am also trying to be involved in many other areas besides music. I feel that this ward will help me discover and develop new talents and gifts. Yesterday, I expressed a desire to be involved in fellowshipping new members of our ward. Right away, this friend thought of a few ways for me to become involved. I am so grateful for the generous people in this ward, especially the bishopric.

This weekend was a bundle of rash decisions. I bought a new phone and changed my number, which has been so nice. I love my new phone! Another decision was trying to find out what was wrong with my knee. As a result of out-of-state health insurance, I ended up visiting the ER to learn that I apparently have tendinitis in my knee. (I'm not sure I agree with that diagnosis, but I'll get a second non-ER opinion soon.) The third and most rash decision is something I have prayed and fasted over. While this decision is not logical at all, I feel it is the right one to make. And I will leave you all guessing as to what that decision is! Aren't I nice?

Have a wonderful week!

This is The Place

It may be corny to quote what Brigham Young said when he saw the Salt Lake Valley, but it portrays my feelings exactly. After being here one month, I found a house to live in and a job (which I accepted the offer yesterday) that is close by. I can't tell you how many times I have felt a confirmation that I am in the right place for my life. Big things are going to happen in the next few years! I know of two off the top of my head: I will finish my education, and I will be financially independent from my parents. At least, those are my goals for the next few years.

I participated in a historic event this last week. Student Wards were done away with and the creation of Young Single Adult Stakes and Wards replaced them. We met in a big regional meeting at the Conference Center to learn what stakes we are in. Last Sunday was our first Stake Conference where we learned the boundaries of our new ward. I am so excited for this new ward. I know it will be wonderful. I will admit that it is foreign to me to have stake leaders who I have never met, but I know they are good men.

I have really enjoyed my three roommates so far. They are all spunky and quirky girls, who love life. I am the oldest, only by nine months, and it is interesting to hear insight come out of my mouth. (It's as if I knew what I was talking about!) I have taken the opportunity of my move to really stay close to my Heavenly Father and the Spirit. I have been surprised on many occasion of what I am led to say and learning that it was exactly what they needed to hear. Words aren't enough to express my gratitude to the Lord for His abundant blessings this last month and in my life.

Okay, now for the fun part. Here is a video tour of my house that I took for my parents. (So, you can ignore the comments to my mom and dad.) Sorry if it is a little wordy. Enjoy!

Life is good; God is great! Paka!!

Fashion-forward Scriptures

Today, I started and finished a project! Back in October, I made a tote for my church things. I now have a coordinating scripture case! Take a look!

I used the same fabric as my tote but chose to use the other side instead. I'm pretty happy with how my scripture case turned out. It took me about two hours from start to finish, not including the bobbin situation I had. The best thing about sewing is learning new techniques. I had never made a buttonhole before, so I was quite apprehensive about that part. I found the Instruction Manual for my sewing machine online and read how to make buttonholes. After doing three test runs, I decided to make the buttonhole on my case.

I am quite impressed with my little machine's abilities. I hope to explore this summer more of what this baby can do.

So, what do you think?
Pretty good for not using a pattern on either one, huh?

A Sure Foundation

We learn in Corinthians that "old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new". This is true with shoes. After years of loving my 'every day' shoes, they finally have gone the way of the earth, or at least into the garbage can.

It is best to replace something when you throw it away, and that is precisely what I did. I am now the fashionable owner of these new 'every day' shoes:

So far, I've been happy with them, and I think they will serve me quite well as I work towards my first 5k this summer. My true purpose in going to the shoe store was to find a new pair of high heels to go with my new black dress.

After visiting six stores, I found my fabulous new heels. I love them! They are different from all my other heels and have quite a personality about them. Yes, my shoe addiction has officially started thanks to these shoes. I can say that I am not the only girl who feel in love with them.

My niece, Little Miss, loved my shoes. She didn't want to give them back! Here is a picture of my nephew, Imaginator, wearing them while Little Miss was complaining- hence being up on her toes.

She had great balance walking in my heels; of course, it helps that her foot sits only in the toe of the shoe. I was still impressed.

I can tell you what our Aunt-Niece outings will be when her feet stop growing! She's my little fashionista!!

Good-bye Friday, Hello Sunday

With this new month comes a new work schedule. I am super excited about the change. My supervisor called me into her office last week to talk about my schedule. I mentioned that I am free Friday afternoons, and she offered that she would love to have me work the Friday evening shift instead of Sunday! One of the downsides is I won't be able to participate in any activity held on a Friday, but an up-side is I can attend the next CES Fireside.

Oh, this is such a great blessing for me. I can't tell you how much I have missed a peaceful, relaxed Sunday in the last three months, one where I can take time to ponder what I learned in church. This change is definitely something I have needed for many, many reasons. I love it when a window opens somewhere and how the Lord knows our needs and our wants!

Hurray for Sundays!

Birthday Celebrations Part 2

When I got home after school on my birthday, I discovered my bedroom had been birthday-ified by my roommate, Utes.

That night, my visiting teacher treated me to a movie! It was such an amazing movie. We went to see Invictus, and I haven't enjoyed a movie so much in a long time. It's a really uplifting movie about the South African Rugby team and their win in the 1995 World Cup. The story is very powerful and moving, showing that people can move past differences and come together. I highly recommend it to everyone!

What movie would be complete without treats to enjoy during the movie? None. I felt so loved by my visiting teacher because she payed for the movie and for our treats. She even bought me my favorite movie snack: chocolate covered pretzels!

Friday, my sister-in-law and I celebrated our birthday by going out to eat. We chose eat at one of the only Outback Steakhouses in Utah. I'd never eaten there, and the food was FABULOUS!! Outback Steakhouse is my new favorite restaurant as of that meal. Here is a picture of our amazing salads and the Bloomin' Onion.

 That was honestly one of the best salads and steak dinners I have ever had. They can expect my business again!

My last birthday activity was a movie marathon with another of my friends. We watched The 10th Kingdom, or at least most of it. That movie is one of the best epic fairy tales. I enjoyed having WinCo muffins, hot chocolate, and pizza during the five hours that we watched of the movie. We haven't finished it yet, but I already know the ending. I'm not chomping at the bit to find out what happened.

All in all, my birthday this year was quite a birthday! I don't think I could have asked for more. Thank you to all who were involved in celebrating my birthday!

Love you all!

Birthday Celebrations Part 1

Wednesday was my birthday. The celebrations started Tuesday when I picked up my flute from the shop. Such a good birthday present. Tuesday night, I was invited to Hagmoth's house after school, and I was pleasantly surprised when I stepped inside the door to find a plate of cupcakes and a beautiful card waiting for me on the table. The birthday serenade from Hagmoth and her husband is something I encourage everyone to experience in their lifetime. Thanks!

Wednesday morning arrived, along with me accidentally sleeping in a little later than I intended. I got a shock of the morning when Hungry gave me a birthday hug with her cold, wet hair. If that doesn't wake a person up, I don't know what will! It was fun to eat breakfast with Hungry and get ready for the day. I even got to start my birthday service early by dropping her off at school on my way north.

Speaking of birthday service, I began a birthday tradition last year that I hope to continue for the rest of my life. On my birthday, I do some kind of service. It is my gift to myself and to my Heavenly Father. Last year, I went on exchanges with the Sister Missionaries. For this year, I discovered a service I have wanted to do for a while was available at my school on my birthday! I was so excited about it!! I decided to give blood for the first time as my birthday service.


I will admit that I was a little nervous to give blood for my first time, but the experience was wonderful. I answered some questions, had my finger pricked, sat down in a chair, watched my arm be covered in iodine and then felt the small stick of the needle. Other than the sting from the iodine, giving blood wasn't bad at all! I will definitely make it a regular occurrence in my life. I even go to drink one of my favorite kinds of juices after I was done. Here is a picture of me with my bandage of honor!


This concludes Part 1 of the celebrations. Please stay tuned for our next episode.

Landlord to the Rescue

Our landlord arrived in all his shining glory to fix the bathtub Monday! The drain was clogged with a ton of hair. I could have made a small critter with all that hair. (I saved you the gory sight!) My landlord was going to pour Drano down the drain after removing the hair, but I insisted on using the homemade remedy found in the amazing cleaning guide I received for Christmas! All it takes is baking soda and vinegar. My landlord was quite impressed and commented that vinegar smells better than Drano. Personally, I love the smell of vinegar, so I'll use that over another cleaner any day. Plus, it is inexpensive and usually on hand when you need it!

Instead of taking a shower while our feet take a bath, we now have a drain that drains! Ah, it's the little things in life!

Christmas Spirit

I had the opportunity to spend Christmas with my brother and his family this year. It was a wonderful holiday full of love and the Spirit. On Christmas Eve, it is their tradition to look at Christmas lights on houses. I loved it! We drove around town looking at the light displays while singing along to the Little People Christmas Songs nearly at the top of our lungs! After we finished, we read the Christmas Story out of Luke 2.

I would attribute how much of the Spirit I felt this Christmas to reading the Book of Mormon. My stake president issued a challenge to finish the Book of Mormon before the end of the year, so I decided to try my best to do so. The only thing is I started last week! I have felt my testimony in the Savior grow exponentially in the last few days as I have feasted on the scriptures. The increase of the Spirit in my life is without a doubt the best Christmas gift I could ever receive. In light of that thought, I wanted to share a video with you even though it is after Christmas. Enjoy!

May the spirit of Christmas be with you all year long.

Sweets for the Sweet

This week has been wonderful! I am finished with school until January, and I picked up my second pay check. The house is now decorated for Christmas. I'd say life is grand right now.

One of my roommates is moving to Idaho tomorrow. We are all sad to see her go, but what can you do? I'll tell you what! You throw a party to say good-bye, that's what! I was glad to have an excuse to bake while in my baking mood. I think I might have gotten a little carried away, but everyone enjoyed the results.

M&M Dream Bars, at the request of Hungry a few weeks ago.

Non-frosted Cupcakes because some people don't like frosting.

Frosted Cupcakes for those who do like frosting.

My famous Snickerdoodles.
If you haven't had one yet, contact me. I'll hook you up!
I'm serious about that.

Actually, I want to pause for a moment. Almost every time I have made my Snickerdoodles, I have read the recipe wrong during the process. One time, I was making once the recipe, which calls for two eggs, and I unthinkingly cracked four eggs. I ended up having to double the recipe that time. This time, I was mixing the cinnamon and sugar to coat the dough, and I somehow read 3 tablespoons of sugar and 3 tablespoons of cinnamon. Let me tell you, that is a lot of cinnamon! I had to add a ton of sugar to even out that mistake. On the bright side, now I have plenty of cinnamon and sugar mixture to put on toast in the morning. Also, I probably won't have to mix any more for the next time I make Snickerdoodles. I suppose it is my tribute to my mom's salt cookies! Fortunately, each mistake has been fixable (knock on wood).

The party was grand. I had invited several people from our ward to come. Most of the people I invited didn't come, but I am so grateful to gals who aren't afraid to make a ton of phone calls to get people over to a party! We played Apples to Apples and enjoyed the great treats and all the laughter. It was a great party! Here is a picture of all the people there minus two who had to leave early.

One more thought before I close. I don't believe in coincidences, not with big happenings anyway. My roommate had been looking for a bike rack since she knew she was moving. She asked if any of the girls who were the first to arrive had one. Lo and behold, one of the girls did have one! It was one of those moments when you realize that Heavenly Father is always looking out for what you stand in need of most. The girl ran home and brought back the bike rack for my roommate to borrow. After the party, two guys stuck around to help us put it on the car. It was freezing cold outside, but we finally managed to get the bike securely in place. I love how things like that just work out. You pray and seek and do all you can do. Suddenly, the Lord provides! I guess I believe in miracles instead of coincidences.

I love being a young single adult!! Life truly is grand!

Decorations of Red

It's Christmas time!!! That means decorations come out of storage and dusted off for another Christmas Season! Or it means decorations need to be purchased at the store so that next year they can be pulled out of storage! :)

This is my first Christmas away from home, and I noticed my apartment drastically needed some Christmas Cheer. So, I went to ShopKo (a fabulous store by the way) and purchased decorations for our fireplace.




I am quite pleased with how things turned out. What do you think?

What's next on my list? There's finish studying for my finals, see the Lights on Temple Square, obtain a stocking for Santa to fill, buy a few presents, make a few cards, listen to Cinnamon Bear, practice my flute solo for the Ward Christmas program, and enjoy the Christmas Season!

22 days till Christmas!

P.S. I'd like your opinion about the new background. Please answer in the poll to the right. Thanks ever so much!

It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Nothing says "Happy Halloween" like carving pumpkins! That's right, my friends! For FHE on Monday, we carved pumpkins for our ward Pumpkin Carving Contest- to be judged at our Halloween Party on Friday.

Hungry and I spent some time Sunday night looking up stencils for something cool to carve. We found one we liked, but the printer had other ideas for us when we tried to print on Monday. Once at FHE, Hungry picked the perfect pumpkin for our design. One of the FHE dads cleaned out our pumpkin, and we started carving!



Despite not having a stencil, I think our pumpkin turned out rather amazing! Of course, with two amazing gals carving it, our pumpkin couldn't help but be amazing!

Here it is! Our amazing Americana Jack o' Lantern!!

Now, I have to put the finishing touches on my costume for Friday. It's going to be awesome!

Preventing Fire Hazards

You know it has been too long since the lint was cleaned out of the dryer when you pull this much out.

Such a fire hazard!!!

That is what I took out of our dryer yesterday when I finally succumbed to the urge to clean out the place that the lint trap resides. I'll be cleaning out the vent tomorrow.

*This experience will always be a reminder of why I clean out the lint trap after each load!*

Adventures in Homemaking

I feel that I have grown in my homemaking skills over the last few weeks.

When I learned two of my friends were coming to visit, I decided to try my hand at making refried beans to use for nachos to feed the three of us. I started with some ingredients.


Then, I put the majority of them in a crockpot to cook for a LONG time. (I have learned that I am an impatient cook- even with a crockpot.)


Next, I drained off the water and implored my friend, Smalls, to help me turn soft beans into what is known as Refried Beans. We decided to use a blender, which wasn't the best idea. There wasn't enough liquid with the beans to move them around inside the blender. The beans at the very bottom were quite mushy while the beans on the top were still in tact. The wooden spoon helped, though!


Here is the finished product! Smalls and I couldn't get the taste just right. We had to add a bunch of salt, salsa and ketchup to get it to taste good.


To make our nachos, we needed a few additional items before we could eat. So, The Quiet One was enlisted as "Cheese Grater" and did a fantastic job.



We also added tomatoes, green onions, chips and sour cream before we ate our delicious nachos!

*Food photography by Smalls*

In addition to increasing my food preparation abilities, I learned how to fill a need I found myself with. I have been called as the Ward Sacrament Meeting Pianist in my ward. I love this opportunity to serve and immerse myself in the hymns again. However, this calling comes with a "price". I get to cart around my big orange hymnal every Sunday. It isn't anything new, yet I have grown tired of carrying my scripture bag, my purse, my Joseph Smith Manual and my large hymnal! It gets bothersome to try to keep everything corralled each Sunday.

I finally decided enough was enough! I determined that I needed a tote to carry it all each week. So, I drove to JoAnn Fabrics in search of a tote pattern. I spent at least two hours in the store deciding between different fabrics and patterns and ideas, made numerous phone calls to my mom and even one of my sisters-in-law for help. Eventually, I was headed home with purchases in hand. I broke open the box my sewing machine is stored in and went to work.

It took me about three hours from the time I got home to the time I sewed the last stitch on my tote. I have learned so much from making this tote. I figured out (after the fact) that sewing handles is easier before the side seams are put in. I learned that it looks better if you fold the top twice before sewing, creating a more finished seam. (I should have known this from all the hems I have made.) I even honed my button sewing abilities.

Ta-da! The finished tote.

My tote is rather beautiful and amazing, if I do say so myself. It will have its debut at church on Sunday!

Failed Attempts

Last night became a night of failed attempts. First, I accepted an invitation to hike the Y.


I'll just say the mountain won. I ended up having to head down soon after starting because I wasn't ready for such a steep climb. One day within the next ten months, I will make it to the top of the Y.

Second, I attempted to make Russian Blini.


They didn't turn out quite like I had hoped. They were either runny in the middle or burnt on the outside. It was a mess. I did get two good blini out of the batch. I guess I'll have to try again.