Family Pictures

Everyone was in town the other night so we had a nice family dinner. We decided to do an impromptu family picture. Little Miss Anna did NOT want to take pictures. Hence, the first picture. It will be a treasure for years to come. We were able to take some good ones by having Traci sit on the couch with her distracting her by looking at a book or something. Everyone else gathered round. By the end, she was looking at and smiling at the camera. Oh, silly girl! And, of course, we had to do a funny picture.

P.S. These pictures will be outdated by next Summer, as a new niece or nephew is on the way!

Better Things Ahead

I had fun making the graphic above in Photoshop last night. Learning Photoshop better is definitely one of my New Year's resolutions. There's so much you can do with that program!

But, really, I love this quote- especially as we are approaching a new year. This year wasn't my favorite, not going to lie. Really looking forward to seeing what 2013 has in store for me.

I'm approaching a new year, new apartment (new to me), new job and new ward. Excited to start fresh!

Is This Real Life?

I just realized I am moving into my apartment next week! Ok, ok, of course I knew that, but I've been so focused on Christmas that it just hit me. I don't like all of this grown up stuff! I've got to figure out internet (still debating on whether or not I'm going to have it... I might be living in a cave for a while), utilities, renter's insurance, etc. And, I'm trying to figure out my bank account situation... my current bank is only in Utah. I've also got to find a new doctor. And figure out where a grocery store is (ok, that one is the least of my worries). I'm also considering purchasing a TV and a DVD player. At some point I've got to switch my driver's license, car insurance, and plates. Oh my goodness! And then, trying to furnish this place is completely overwhelming!

Sure makes me grateful for student housing, where things were a lot less complicated!

Ok. Venting over. :)

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

My Grandpa Cox would have turned 99 years old today. I'm feeling very nostalgic today as I look through pictures and think of him. I love him so much. It's been almost ten years since he passed away and I miss him. He is a great man. I look forward to seeing him again and continuting our relationship. I'm so glad families are forever!

In honor of him, I want to post his favorite poem. I've known it was his favorite poem for many, many years. I don't know if he told me it was or my dad did or what. But, it wasn't until a few years ago that it hit me why it was his favorite poem. While I was on my mission I learned about a mistake he had made. This poem now means even more to me personally. I'm so thankful for my Grandma and Grandpa's examples to me. They are amazing people. They converted to the Church and had such strong testimonies. I'm sure they are doing great things on the other side of the veil.

The Touch Of The Master's Hand
Myra B. Welch

Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But held it up with a smile.
"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,
"Who'll start the bidding for me?
A dollar, a dollar, then, two! Only two?
Two dollars, and who'll make it three?
Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;
Going for three . . ."
But no,
From the room, far back, a grey-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loose strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet
As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low, said:
"What am I bid for the old violin?"
And he held it up with the bow.
"A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
"Two thousand! And who'll make it three?
"Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice;
And going and gone."said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,
"We do not quite understand, what changed its worth?"
Swift came the reply:
"The Touch Of The Master's Hand."

And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,
Much like the old violin.
A 'mess of potage,' a glass of wine;
A game - and he travels on.
He is 'going' once, and 'going' twice,
He's 'going' and almost 'gone'.
But the Master comes and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that's wrought
By the touch of the Master's Hand.

My New Baby!

Isn't she a beauty?! I decided it was time to upgrade. I listed my camera on Amazon a couple of days ago. It sold yesterday. I headed to the store and bought this one today. Right after that I went to the post office to mail my other camera. And then, I had a photo shoot a couple of hours after that!

It was kind of bittersweet parting with my old camera. But, it was time. It wouldn't have been worth anything if I had waited much longer. They don't even make that model anymore. My new camera is a Canon T3i. It has video, more megapixels, etc. Should be good!

Close to the Temple!

I just mapquested my new address and the address of where the Phoenix temple will be. Guess what?! Only FIVE miles away. I'll be pretty close! I'll be there when the open house and the dedication occur. I can't wait to see the progress of the temple and be part of this! (You can bet I'll be visiting the temple site often!)

I Got an Apartment!

Well, things didn't work out with the apartment with the two other RMs. The timing just wasn't right. They wanted to move in at the end of January (and there weren't any available until the end of January). We looked at the apartment complex together tonight. When I left I knew it wasn't going to work, so I headed right over to another complex I had looked at before. I was lucky, the office at this place just happens to be open later on Thursdays.

When I visited this complex a couple of days ago, the earliest they had an apartment available was the 12th of January. That wasn't going to work for me, as I start work on the 7th.

To my surprise, the lady I had been working with on this e-mailed me this morning and said they had had a cancellation and there was a one bedroom available on the 5th. That's when I was looking to move in. Also, this one is $50 cheaper a month than I was originally quoted. So, I signed up.

This should be interesting. I've never lived by myself before. I am looking forward to having my own space to decorate, etc. Although, as of right now I have no furniture. I'll be sleeping off an air mattress for awhile. It's going to be a humble little dwelling. I didn't realize how much it costs to start from scratch... furniture and the little things (Random things... like a toilet brush. They add up.). Most people get presents from their wedding reception to help them start off. I hope they're grateful.

Anyway, I went to Culver's (they have them in AZ) in celebration of this. It's nice to have this taken care of before I leave tomorrow to go to Utah for Christmas. Oh, and I'm really glad this place has a gym! And a couple of pools. :) Did I mention it is right across the street from my work? It'll take me about a minute to get to work.

I'm looking forward to starting fresh... in a new ward, new job, etc. I'm planning on keeping myself very busy, as usual. I do NOT want to be a hermit in my apartment. That's no fun!

Christmas Miracles

I'm lying here in bed, thinking about things. My life has changed so much in recent months and more changes are coming. I cannot deny that I have been led every single step of the way. It took a little faith and a little courage and Heavenly Father has already blessed me a ton. Honestly, as I think back on it all, I am in awe.

I am experiencing a Christmas miracle. I've been offered a job- one with a good company (where there's room for growth. Oh, and where they actually have an HR Department). A job that pays more than my previous job, will cost me less for health insurance (and offers it from day 1- no waiting period), and offers dental insurance.

I'm so grateful!

My Announcement!

Story time!

Last week I applied for a temporary gift wrapping job. This morning the lady e-mailed me and asked me to come interview and fill paperwork out this afternoon. I was driving along the freeway on my way to the interview when I glanced over at my phone sitting on the seat and noticed I had a missed call.

I took the next exit and pulled over to listen to the voicemail they left. It was Best Western (finally!). The lady said she'd try calling again. I thought that was a good sign... if I didn't get the job they'd probably just tell me on the message. So, I called back, but she didn't answer. I then called my mom to see what she thought I should do about the interview I had coming up in just a few minutes. While I was on the phone with her, the lady from Best Western called back. I was offered a job!!! My official title is "Digital Marketing Representative." I will be working with motel owners (each is individually owned) to help them improve their online presence (their websites, social media, etc.). It's full-time with benefits and pays more than my previous job.

Oh, and I will have to travel once or twice a year. Bummer. (Not!) I hope I have to travel to Hawaii.

I'm just in awe at the Lord's timing. I was supposed to hear back about this job last week. I didn't and was getting very impatient. Of course I hear back about it on my way to another interview. I'm glad he stopped me just in time. :) I'm also glad I can finally make some plans. (I am sad that this means I will miss my family vacation to Disneyland next month. Boo.)

Looking back on things, it makes so much sense. If I had moved to Arizona after the holidays (I contemplated it), I wouldn't have gotten this job. I needed to be here to interview for it last month. Also, this is why I didn't feel right about any of the houses I looked at here in Gilbert.

I never considered living in Phoenix. I really had no desire to. But, it's where I'm supposed to be I suppose. The job is in North Phoenix, which is about an hour away from Gilbert.

I actually attended a singles' ward in the area yesterday. I wanted to check things out and see how I felt about the area. The ward I attended seemed "older" and had a good feel to it.

It'll be interesting to see how things unfold. It seems like a good job. I just hope I have awesome co-workers and a good boss.

A Seriously Super Saturday!

Yesterday was a good day. I went for a jog in the morning (in short sleeves-70 degree weather-, I might add). Later, I participated in a study at the ASU Polytechnic campus. It was kind of a random thing- I saw a listing on Craigslist the night before asking for participants. I was skeptical at first, since you can't always trust what's on there. But, I went for it. I've never participated in a study before and didn't know what to expect. Well, it was a computer simulation with the other participants. There were "buyers" and "sellers."

It was a little complicated, but basically, I was a "seller" and had to set prices for my items in order to make profit. I was given the resale value. The purpose of the experiment was to gain more information on people's buying habits. Not sure how that all worked, but hey, it turned out to be pretty simple for me. And, since I was one of the ones who made the most profit, I was actually paid more for my participation! It was an hour and a half of my time and I walked out of there with $50. Pretty awesome.

Saturday evening I had the privilege of hearing Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles speak... in person!!! In fact, I got an awesome seat. I was three rows back. I was literally just a few feet away from an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. So amazing. And, an extra unexpected bonus... we (Young Single Adults in Gilbert) also got to hear from Bishop Gary L. Stevenson (Presiding Bishop) and Elder Walter F. Gonzalez of the 70, as well as Elder Wright of the 70.

I cannot even adequately describe how amazing that fireside was. I am in awe that I got so lucky to be there. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if that is the sole reason I have been in Gilbert (I would not have attended if I was elsewhere. It was only for the Gilbert YSA Stake). I don't plan on being here much longer (probably going to settle in Mesa or Phoenix).

There were so many things said in that fireside that I needed to hear. Elder Cook said he prayed to know what to speak about and got the impression that he needed to speak about doubts and fears. He kept saying, "push your doubts into a corner." He also said, "Emphasize your faith; not your fears." I have a lot of doubts and fears about my life presently and my life in the future. But, I really found comfort in his words. I'm really going to try to overcome those doubts and fears. He said, "I bless you as one of the Lord's apostles that if you will push your doubts away, blessings will come into your life." I believe that.

That was such a great end to a great Saturday!

Today's Tender Mercies

I went on a walk tonight to a little pond nearby which I have decided is my peaceful, happy place. I've really grown fond of it. As I was leaving, the sunset was absolutely gorgeous. That's one thing I've noticed about Arizona- it sure has some amazing sunsets. My phone picture doesn't even do it justice.

When I got back from my walk, I opened my e-mail and saw that I was invited to interview with a company tomorrow morning (talk about short notice!).

Then, later tonight I was driving and I saw a shooting star. I thought maybe I was just seeing things, but no. I saw the star fly across the sky and then it kind of burst. It was pretty cool.

Just some tender mercies from today I thought I'd share.

Thanksgiving in Pictures

We had a relaxing, enjoyable day. The food was delicious!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I got to spend Thanksgiving with these little cuties. Love them! We had turkey today (of course) and enjoyed a nice bike ride.

I have to admit, I did participate in black Friday (Thursday?) shopping tonight. I convinced Dad to come to Wal-mart with me. It was such a zoo, of course. I normally don't do black Friday shopping (because I don't like staying up or getting up really early), but I succumbed this year. I attended Wal-mart's "Event 1" at 8. I stationed myself near the crock pots and hand mixers. I've been thinking about getting a new crock pot. The one I have is really small. Since this one was going for $9.44, I couldn't resist. I also got a hand mixer for $3.88 and Tupperware for $6 something. Success. It was really crazy though. And I do feel bad for the workers. It is sad that we have become a society so hungry for possessions.

It has been a nice holiday. So grateful for time with family. There's always much to be grateful for.

It's Thanksgiving... We are Gonna Have a Good Time!

These pictures were taken tonight at an Asian restaurant called Pei Wei.

I'm here in Utah this week. Wasn't planning on that. Mom called me up and asked me to come for Thanksgiving. Since I don't have a job yet, I decided to come. It's weird, since I just left a month ago. It doesn't really feel like I left at all.

We're celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow since Mom has to work. Dad, Christi and I are heading to St. George on Wednesday to celebrate the official holiday with Traci and fam down there. It should be fun.

I hope you all have a great holiday! In case you haven't seen it, below is a little gem for you to enjoy. It's pretty great.

Thoughts and Life Recently

I've now been in Arizona a little over two weeks. I was on such a roll with interviews, but unfortunately that has slowed down a lot. I haven't heard back from my other interviews either. It can get discouraging and worry some. However, for the most part I've been at peace and not worried. It's really odd, actually. Deep down I know Heavenly Father will take care of me because I am doing what He wants me to do. But, there are of course times when I am tempted to doubt. I'm sure it will get scarier if I still don't have a job as time goes on and my savings start to dwindle. But, I'm going to do my best to be strong.

Mostly, I've felt like I need to relax and enjoy this time. Let's be honest, I need to recover from a brutal 8 & 1/2 months. That job drained me physically and emotionally. I really feel different and happier now that I am not working there.

I've been trying to find an apartment or house to live in down here (with LDS roommates). It has been interesting. I've looked at two places and have come really close to looking at other places. But, nothing has felt completely right. It is really important to me to have good roommates and a good ward. I'm glad I can take the time to find those things. I'm not sure where I'll end up. I'm thinking about living in Mesa. It seems to be in the middle of things. I don't want to have to commute, so it'd be nice if I lived somewhat close to where I work. I was thinking about all of this and wondering if I am just an indecisive person (which I know I can be) and can't just buckle down and make a decision on where to live. But, the more I thought about it I realized that sometimes the Spirit's role is one of restraint. I do think that for whatever reason, the Spirit has been letting me know that none of those choices are the right places to live right now.

I have to tell y'all about my first Sunday here in Arizona. So, I looked up the local singles' ward on lds.org. It said it meets at 2:00 (so late!). I also read somewhere else that it started at 1:30. I decided to be there by 1 just in case. I got to the building and people were out in the foyer. I was late! The Sacrament was being passed. I figured everything I saw online was wrong. So, after the Sacrament was finished I found a spot in the chapel. The ward looked really young. It just didn't feel like the place for me.

To my surprise, there was another YSA ward right after that. Sure enough, it was the ward I was originally planning on going to. I liked this ward a lot better. After Sacrament meeting I headed to Sunday School. A nice girl sat by me and started talking to me. I later found out she's the RS President. She has helped me a lot! She's given me a lot of information about wards (that are older) in the area, institute, etc. She even invited me to a girls' night tonight. I am SO thankful for her!

Well, we are heading into the holiday season, folks! Already! Time seems to fly faster and faster every year. I've already had the desire to listen to Christmas music, which is odd. I am usually one of those who don't want to start the Christmas music until the day after Thanksgiving. I guess it's not a bad thing, right? Anyway, hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

Mesa AZ Temple

I spent this afternoon taking pictures on the Mesa temple grounds. SUCH a beautiful place! It really is that gorgeous in person!

A Good Sign?

I've had 5 interviews in the past 10 days (3 of those have been phone interviews, which has been interesting)! It's been great (although, I must say, I hate interviews). I feel so blessed. Hopefully one of those turns into a good job. I just want a job that I enjoy, that pays well, with a good boss and good co-workers. Is that too much to ask (I'm afraid it is)? I guess in this economy I will be lucky to just have a job and have health insurance, right?

Today I am Thankful For...

A place to stay, clean laundry, warm AZ weather (the photo below was taken today), a kind RS President in the area who has gone out of her way to help me with a lot of things as I transition to living here, technology which helps family who are so far away to feel a little closer-(I was able to do FaceTime with Mom tonight), to have had two interviews in the week I've been here with two more scheduled...the list could go on. I feel so blessed. There's so much to be thankful for!

Looking, Looking, Looking....

Looking for housing, looking for a job, looking for friends in Arizona... I'm just looking, looking, looking! (I could probably add more to that list, but I won't.) I got here (to Arizona) on Tuesday. The weather is a-mazing to say the least. People are still in shorts (in November...unreal!)! It's supposed to be 90 degrees a couple of days next week! I'm hoping this next week brings good things. I had a little bit of a freak out when I first got into town, but I feel better about things now. I do feel like I am supposed to be here, it's just hard when things haven't quite come together yet. I know that takes time. We shall see. I do have a couple of leads on jobs and some leads on housing as well. I also have two photography jobs possibly in the works. So, that's good.

"Come to Zion, Come to Zion"

I've wanted to go to Zion National Park for a long time now and finally got the chance to yesterday! It was definitely beautiful! We went hiking up to Weeping Rock and also to the lower Emerald Pool. We didn't go the narrows, as that requires hiking in the water. That, however, is something I really want to do. I'll have to come back sometime in the summer. It was a beautiful day!

My Calling

I am being released from my calling as Relief Society Secretary tomorrow. It's hard to believe I've been in for 11 months now. It has been such a great experience. I've loved working with and getting to know the RS President and Counselors as well as the sisters in our Relief Society. Looking back on it, this calling has taught me sacrifice, humility, and love. It has been so much more than just keeping the roll.

Speaking of the roll, I wanted to take pictures of the binders I decorated. They are passed around in RS every Sunday. I know, I know, they shout "Relief Society." But, I had fun being crafty and cutesy making them. :) I also made an announcement poster so we wouldn't have to write the announcements up on the board every week. And, what you see above is pretty bare, actually. Most of the time every day of the week is filled up!

It's been great. Can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for me next!

Here We Go Again...

Resumes, applications, resumes, applications, oh my! I'm applying like crazy. I pretty much apply for one job every day. How I manage to squeeze that in, I don't know. But, I'm grateful I do.

It feels like I just did this (job hunting). Oh wait, I've been doing it for several months now. I've just been looking for jobs in the wrong place (Utah).

I have a couple of special things I do to my resume. I'm thankful for some tips I received in my career prep class in college. One of those tips was to add a touch of color to my resume to make it stand out a little. And, a huge thanks to my brother for suggesting that I put a QR code on my resume. That alone had landed me several interviews. At the interview I had last week I was told the reason I got the interview was because of the QR Code. Now I just need to master my interviewing skills.

Tonight after I got home from work I decided to watch a little TV. I ended up watching "Story Trek" on BYUtv. This guy goes to random houses and interviews people. It's really interesting. Well, this particular episode a guy from Mona, Utah was interviewed. He told a story about a time when he was working a dead end job. One night he started praying and asked Heavenly Father what He should do. He felt strongly that he needed to quit his job. It didn't make sense- he had a wife and three kids. But, he did it. His wife was supportive and felt that Heavenly Father would take care of them. Well, as it turns out, he ended up getting a series of small jobs- one right after another. After those, he was offered a position from someone he knew.

Obviously, I could relate to this story. It hit me to the core. It was like Heavenly Father was once again telling me, "Don't worry. I've got this. I'll take care of you." And, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who feels prompted to quit their job when they don't have another one lined up.

Being a Christian is Like Being a Pumpkin

I was going through some of my stuff recently and came across this little message that I like. I remember getting it from my mission president's wife while I was on my mission. It reads:

"A lady recently being baptized was asked by a co-worker what it was like to be a Christian. She replied, "It's like being a pumpkin: God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off you may have gotten from the other pumpkins.Then he cuts the top off and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."

Moving Forward

My interview yesterday went ok. Although I feel like it went ok, I left the interview with a different feeling than I had going into it. I left feeling like I am not going to get the job and I need to move forward with my plans to move to Arizona in just a couple of weeks. So, that's what I'm doing. The job and housing hunt continues.

Although this is something I am excited for and very much want to do, it is a huge trial of faith. I was reading in 1 Nephi recently and realized how applicable what I was reading is to my life. 1 Nephi 2:1-3 states,

2 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness.

3 And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him.

4 And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness.

I am departing "into the wilderness" so to speak. I am leaving my house and most likely a lot of my belongings (I'm only taking what I can fit in my car) and traveling into the wilderness. I am going to do my best to be obedient to the promptings I've received.

Boy is it scary. I talked to my Mom about it this morning and cried and cried. I know it is what I'm supposed to do, but I am scared. I know Heavenly Father will take care of me, but sometimes it's hard to fully trust Him when so much is unknown. I keep thinking of a quote by Martin Luther King Jr.: "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase." I've got to take the first step.

I keep wrestling between the logical and the spiritual side of all of this. Logically, it makes no sense to move down there without a job. The other day I called the LDS Employment Resource Center in Mesa to see if there are some employment websites that I don't know about that they do. I explained that I am moving down there at the end of the month. The sister said, "So, you are moving down here without a job?" Yes, yes I am. I know it's crazy.

Through all of this, I am so thankful for the support I have from family and friends. There are so many people who are so supportive of this decision I have made. That helps me so much. It'll be interesting to see how the coming months play out. I can only imagine that great happiness awaits me as I move forward with my life in Arizona.

Results and Roses

I've been in sharing mood lately, apparently. :) The following is a poem I came across as I was browsing through my mission study journal recently. I really like it. Enjoy.

Results and Roses

The man who wants a garden fair,
Or small or very big,
With flowers growing here and there,
Must bend his back and dig.
The things are mighty few on earth
That wishes can attain.
Whate'er we want of any worth
We've got to work to gain.
It matters not what goal you seek
Its secret here reposes:
You've got to dig from week to week
To get Results or Roses.
-Edgar A. Guest

New Favorite Hymn and Other News

I just had to share my new favorite hymn (is it a hymn...?). As I've said before, I heard it in Conference and I love it! (Yes, I'm a nerd.)

In other news, I got a call for an interview today. The interview is in Utah. SO out of the blue! I applied for this particular position in JULY. This complicates things just a tad bit, as I've been making plans to move to Arizona. But, if I got this job, I'd stay. I really would. It'd be too great of an opportunity to pass up. The position is with the Church as a staff assistant to the Priesthood Department. I'd be rubbing shoulders with the G.A.s (I'm not even kidding. I kind of had a pre-interview over the phone today [unexpectedly] and was told the position involves creating presentations and proposals to be presented to the First Presidency and taking phone calls from "The Brethern [Quoroum of the 12, etc]". This would be the one thing that'd get me to stay. It'd be too amazing to pass up. Not even a job at the Deseret Book Corporate Office would get me to stay at this point. So, we'll see how things pan out. It's really nice as I don't feel pressure about this. It's a win-win either way. I feel honored to even have an interview with the Church. My interview is in the Church Office Building. That in and of itself is amazing. If I don't get the job then I have a definite answer about moving to AZ.

Stay tuned to find out what happens next in my crazy life! :)

Two Weeks Notice

Tip- give your two weeks notice at the end of the day on a Friday. That way you won't have to see your boss all weekend! :)

Well, I did it. I was really scared, but I told my boss I am leaving. It was short and sweet and went better than I expected. A lot better, actually. My boss was understanding and said he'd give me a recommendation if I ever needed one.

I imagined myself having a guilty kind of happiness after giving my notice. Kind of like, "ha ha. Take THAT!" I kind of felt that leading up to it, but since I've given my notice I've felt nothing but peace. I do have a particular co-worker who is mad at me for leaving (seriously mad). I'm sorry, but I cannot stay in that environment. I have already stayed waaayyy longer than I planned. I don't deserve to be treated the way I have at this job. I don't deserve to be lied to, asked to lie, and taken advantage of. Plus, I know deep down that I have great potential and this job just isn't going to allow me to progress.

So, it's finally time to move on. I'm hoping and praying to find a good job down in Arizona.

General Conference

My friend Jen and I. We were roommates at BYU-I. She just moved down here and is in my ward, but now I'm moving away! :(

Conference was great. So inspiring. I was lucky enough to attend the Sunday afternoon session at the Conference Center. My co-worker's father-in-law works for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and saved some tickets for me at will call. Some friends and I rode trax up to Salt Lake. It took some skill to manuever around all of the people and find the will call office, but we did it. I got the tickets and we went right through security. It was nice, no waiting in lines! Our seats were pretty awesome... on the plaza (the lowest level)! We were about ten rows back. It was so neat to be close enough to see the general authorities fairly clearly as they walked in. Such a neat experience.

Oh, and, I absolutely love the song that was sung at the end of the Sunday morning session. I've never heard that before, but I like it a lot!

So yeah... I'm a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it! :)

Sister Missionaries ROCK!

I, like the rest of the Church was shocked and excited at the big announcement President Monson made today! Wowzers. I wish I could have gone when I was 19! When I was that age I kept saying, "I wish the prophet would come out and say that girls could serve at 19." I seriously have that written in my journal. I never thought it would happen though!

Perhaps this inspired move was because we are nearing even closer to the second coming and the Lord needs even more missionaries to take the Gospel to all the world and prepare for His coming. It is exciting. We will most likely see an increasing number of sister missionaries. I, of course, have a special place in my heart for sister missionaries. I hope this will help the Church and non-members see sister missionaries as equal to the Elders. On my mission I really felt that some people liked the Elders better (of course, some people definitely liked the sisters better too). Even now, being a sister RM, I have felt less appreciated than guy RMs. Hopefully this will help sisters get the respect they deserve. Sister missionaries make great contributions.

"The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” (Joseph Smith)

What an exciting time in the history of the Church!

Missing Illinois and My Mission

Ok, I know I do a post like this every Fall. But, I really can't help myself. I fell in love with Illinois in the Fall while I was on my mission. It is gorgeous. And every stinkin' Fall, my heart misses it.

So tonight, I am missing Illinois in the Fall and my mission in general. Oh my goodness- sometimes my heart just aches to have those amazing experiences again. I miss it so much sometimes. I miss the people... even the crazy drunk people who told us we were going to hell (ok, maybe not so much, but really, it was pretty funny and added humor to my days). I miss teaching the Gospel full-time. Too bad I can't just be a full-time missionary the rest of my life!

Last night I had dinner with one of my MTC companions. It was so much fun. She is awesome. Definitely made me miss my mission.

I find comfort in the fact that I am not the only one still obssessed with their mission. Even after all these years. It makes me sad that memories fade and time moves on. But, I will always, always cherish my mission. And, most likely, I will always miss Illinois in the Fall. :)

My BIG Announcement!

This is a sign I have hanging in my room. Definitely need to look at this every single day!

Drum roll please... I'M MOVING TO ARIZONA!!! How crazy is that?! You know what's even more crazy? I don't have a job or a place to live yet (hoping to live and work in Gilbert)! I know there must be several people who think I'm absolutely insane. I don't blame them at all. I think it's really crazy. Logically, it doesn't make sense. But, there are a few things that are getting me through: 1. I've felt prompted to go (and to go now- which stinks because it's right before the holidays). 2. I have family members down there. 3. It's warm down there. 4. I have some money saved up.

Many tears have been shed and there are many more to come, I'm sure. But, I know I am doing the right thing. Am I scared out of my mind? Yes. Am I excited? Yes.

So much has led up to this and it's now time to do it. The thought/idea of moving to Arizona has crossed my mind for several years, honestly. Even before my brother and sister-in-law moved there. I considered doing an internship down there, but it never happened.

But, I really feel like the time is now! I'm leaving at the end of October. It is bittersweet. Part of my tears have been because I am sad to leave family and friends in Utah. However, I am excited to make new friends in Arizona and be with family members down there.

I am REALLY excited for the mild winters there. No snow!!! I've included the average temperatures for you below. Visitors are welcome (especially in the winter months. :))

(Source: weather.com)

Latest Pinterest Project

image source: pinterest.com

My version.

Closer look. My only regret is the brown paper I used. I wish I would have used a lighter brown. (Pics aren't very good because they were taken with my phone, f.y.i.)

I'd Rather be Single...

In recent years I've had some rather hurtful comments made to me such as, "When are you going to get married?" or "Marriage is great. You should try it. (naw. really?)" Here's my two cents: I'd rather be single than divorced or unhappily married. In fact, I'd rather be single for a million years than have to go through divorce or be unhappily married.

I've been thinking that a lot lately. It seems like there have been a lot of people I know (acquaintances) getting divorced lately. It makes me so sad. :( You throw kids and eternal covenants into the mix and it makes me even more sad. They are people I would have never thought would get divorced. Now, I know I cannot judge. I am not in their shoes. There are so many circumstances surrounding divorce.

But still, it makes me sad. It also makes me realize my life isn't too bad. I'll live up the single life while it's here. When/if the opportunity to get married comes, I am not going to take it lightly. I'm learning from other's lives.

Weekend in Washington

{Washington, UT that is} This weekend I headed down south with Christi and her friend, Lindsay. We left Friday evening after I got off work. Saturday morning I watched and played with the kids while Traci and Gary went for a run (and Christi and Lindsay slept in). That afternoon Christi, Lindsay and I went to IHOP. Yummy yummy. I'm not a breakfast food person (if you know me, you know I'm a picky eater), but I was able to find a few things I liked. :) We also did a little shopping. It was mostly looking around for me, I didn't end up purchasing much.

Saturday evening I took family pics for Traci and co. Some of them can be seen on my Facebook page (please like my page if you'd be so kind!). The kids did really well. We were all rewarded with Coldstone afterward.

Sunday morning we played with the kids while Traci and Gary attended the Brigham City Temple Dedication (via satellite). When they got back the rest of us went to the next session. It was really great. A very spiritual experience for me. I'm so grateful for temples!

After that we had a yummy dunch (dinner/lunch) of roast beef, veggies, rolls, mashed potatoes and yummy M&M cookies.

We then headed back home. It went by way too fast, but it was fun while it lasted!