My terribly missed card reader arrived in the mail this week! I have missed that little thing for two months, with 345 pictures to show for it! (Most of those pictures were from my nieces playing with my camera on the Fourth.)
Next week is going to be a busy and exciting week. I have an audition for an orchestra that I am frantically trying to resurrect my old flute solos for! On top of that, I am leaving for a vacation the same day as the audition. I have a lot of practicing and packing to do this weekend! Oh, the Pioneer Day Parade is Monday, which I am hoping to go see (depending on how my flute solos are coming!)
Here is a collage of highlights from my summer so far to enjoy while I sort out the adventures that merit their own post!
This summer has been wonderful so far. I participated in a friend's wedding. I went on a road trip with another friend. I attended a baby shower where I showed off the baby quilt I have in the making. I spent a wonderful Fourth of July with two of my nieces! I have tons of pictures to share of all these fun activities, but I can't load them onto my computer until my card reader (that I left in Washington back in May) arrives in the mail.
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?
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!
I'm leaving the rain, which I love, to live in the desert. Many new adventures are ahead with school, work and life. Once I am settled, I shall resume my blogging!
I had a wonderful Valentine's Day with some close friends. I wanted to share some fun pictures and projects I made for the holiday. Enjoy!
First, I made this Valentine's Day/ Springtime wreath out of cupcake liners of all things! It was pretty simple to make, and I think it looks like carnations!
These are Pie Pops! I used a cookie cutter to cut out hearts from pie crust, added some Nutella inside, and included a stick in the middle. This bouquet turned out splendid. I had an interesting time gluing the red hots candies to cover the foam, but it was a hit with the family to which I presented it.
While at my friends' house, we decorated cookies! I just love the blank canvas a sugar cookie provides. Here are some of the impressive cookies.
"Sunshine in My Soul" decorated by myself.
American Flag decorated by the little brother.
My "Too Pretty to Eat" cookie.
"A Growing Flower" by me.
"Chocolate Covered Strawberries" by the mom.
This next Valentine is something I made because they were such a fun idea with suckers! As you will see in the following pictures, we enjoyed them!
I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day!
Paka.
P.S. Be on the lookout for this week's Tasty Tuesday post on Thursday.
I am so excited for this week's post! A week ago, one of the blogs I follow, Tidy Mom, posted an announcement for a celebration next week (other than Valentine's Day). She is holding a
You can read more about it here. I decided to participate, so I found a new soup recipe to try! Drum roll please... Yes, I know the name of the recipe is in the title of this post. Just humor me.
