Christmas Presents

So in my family we draw names for Christmas presents between the siblings and their spouses. This year Jacob and I drew Sarah and Sheridan. I was so excited because I knew immediately I wanted to make them some homemade presents. Necklaces are kind of the craft I'm most familiar with right now, so I decided I'd make them each a necklace. Then, I asked Sheridan what kind of gifts she wanted, and she said she'd love to have some holiday decor for their house. Now, I've been wanting more of that myself, but I've been looking for something I could switch out and re-use for multiple holidays, so I googled for tutorials and found these great ideas:


An interchangeable ornament frame at Today's Fabulous Finds


Interchangeable Letter Frames at All Things Heart and Home



and a sign or picture display at Just Beckause


After debating for a few days, I decided to go with option number one, but the frames I ended up buying were plastic, so I couldn't put the nails in the actual frame. At first i got super frustrated with myself for not realizing that, but with the help of Jacob and my mom I figured out how to make it work by putting the nails in the backing itself. This gave me the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the three frame piece that came with the frames and also make them option number two! I had some problems figuring out how to keep the alternate backing in place and ended up using some velcro, it's not a very pretty sight, but it'll do. Anyway, here's the end result(s)




And this is the necklace I made for Sarah. The picture of the entire necklace doesn't show the coloring of the beads very well, so that's what the closer pics are.




As for the necklace I made for Sheridan, I don't have any pics for you yet. As I mentioned, I got a new camera for Christmas, but by the time I opened it I had already wrapped the presents, and silly me, I forgot to take pictures after they opened them. Hopefully I can get some pictures of it soon to share with you, I'm quite proud of both necklaces, but Sheridan's was a style I've never tried before and I think it turned out great. I plan on making one for myself and Sarah after the same style as soon as I have the supplies.

And finally, for your enjoyment and mine, a couple pictures of my adorable nieces, Leah and Evelyn! They both are almost always happy and smiling and I love them to pieces!

To Pin or not to Pin?

So, I'm just sitting here debating with myself whether I want to join Pinterest or not. And by want I probably really mean should. Because I mostly really want to, but I'm scared I'll become addicted and spend many many hours on the site....because I already spend many many hours reading various craft blogs.

But then I think, well, if I get Pinterest maybe I'll be more inspired to actually start making all those awesome crafts out there.....which I really want to do. I just get scared that I'll just mess everything up! And then there's the whole cost factor, whether I can afford to spend money on crafts right now. I really should make some more necklaces, sometime I just feel like I have more than I can wear (and I'm not up to starting an etsy shop or anything like that just yet) and I'd love to make some new skirts for myself, I just get nervous about how they'd turn out and whether they'd be worth the money. AH!! Decisions!

And this is why I'm posting about this. So you can all help me decide! What do you think? Should I give in and join the Pinterest club? And what kinds of crafts should I start working on?

So, Sarah pretty much commanded me to write this blog post. But, because I love her I won't be too angry. :) JK. For all of my friends out there who enjoy reading and are always looking for a good book, here's a few ideas. Books I've read lately and enjoyed.

1. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I'm pretty sure most of you have heard of this by now, possibly even already read it or seen the movie, but if you haven't, check it out. It's a great historical-fiction novel that takes place in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 60s, during the civil rights movement. The story is told from the point of view of three very different women who come together to write a book about the lives of black women who are "the help" to the white women in Jackson. The book really makes you think about the racial prejudice that was everywhere at that time and reminds us all that we're really not that different from those we see around us.

2. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
In one review this book was called "the most refreshing paranormal debut of the year" and I totally agree. It truly was a truly refreshing and delightful book that was unique in the midst of the latest literary crazy for paranormal creatures. The book continually had the perfect mix of fun, lightheartedness and tense, mysterious, impending doomness(which isn't even a word, but it works). But really, if you're looking for a quick fun read, try this one.

3. To Say Nothing of the Dog and The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

These two books are favorites of my mother-in-law and I am so glad she recommended them to me. It's difficult to describe these books well, but the premise is that sometime in the future time travel becomes possible and trained people called "historians" take various assignments traveling to the past to gain first-hand knowledge of people, things, events, etc. Both book really appealed the historical fiction lover in me and I truly wish that Connie Willis had written more novels in the delightful world she created.

4. The Host by Stephanie Meyer
First of all, don't judge too quickly just because this was written by the author of Twilight, I thought this book was great. Stephanie Meyer takes the age-old premise of "alien invasion" and puts her own unique twist on it. The main character, Wanderer, has been placed in a new human host body, but unlike most hosts, Melanie won't leave. Her presence is always with Wanderer who finds herself caring about humans she's never met. Not only did this book tell two great love stories, but it also poses important philosophical questions, such as "can one life rightfully take precedence over another, and if so, who decides?

5. The Silence of God by Gale Sears
This LDS historical-fiction book is based on the true story of the Lindlof family, the first members for the Church in Russia. It takes place during World War I and the Russian Revolution and tells the story of the Lindlof family as they struggle to keep their faith in a country that is banishing God. I wish the author had been a little more accurate in the book to what had actually happened to the Lindlof family, but it is a still a great book about the power of faith.


Well, I hope that this is helpful to someone out there, and if none of these books sounds interesting to you, please feel free to ask me for other suggestions. I'm also always happy to get suggestions on books to read!

The Greatest Gift

First of all, thanks to all of you who commented on my last blog post and proved to me that I AM loved and that there is a point to my having a blog.

Moving on...

How many of you who were born in the church can actually remember the date of your baptism? I get the feeling that some of you don't. Well, I'm lucky enough that I do. Every year on December 7th while people remember and honor the events at Pearl Harbor, I also remember and honor my baptism day. Fifteen years ago today I was baptized by my father, confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and given the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Sometimes I forget that we call it the GIFT of the Holy Ghost. At this time of year everyone is thinking about gifts, to give, to get, etc. Right now I'd like to take a couple minutes to focus on the special gift that is the Holy Ghost, because it is one of the greatest gifts God has given to his children.

In 1 Nephi chapter 4 Nephi speaks of possibly one of his first experiences with the Holy Ghost as it leads him to Laban which allows him to get the brass plates that were essential to the spiritual well-being of his family. In verse six he says, "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing before hand the things which I should do." How lucky are we that we have been given a gift that can help us get through situations when we don't know what we should do? In my Book of Mormon I have a seminary "glue-in" on this page with quotes from general authorities on the Holy Ghost that I'd like to share with you.

"The greatest gift in mortality is the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is "the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost (BD)...The gift of the Holy Ghost is the key to obtaining the gift of eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God." - Bishop David A. Burton

"The gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest gift we can receive in mortality." - President Wilford Woodruff

"The overall gift of the Holy Ghost truly is one of the greatest blessings available to members of the Church." - Elder Neal A. Maxwell

"The gift of the Holy Ghost "is the greatest guarantor of inward peace in our unstable world." - President James E. Faust

"It (the Holy Ghost) is a most precious gift available only to worthy members of the Lord's Church." - Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

"When we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to the constant companionship of this member of the Godhead, based on faithfulness. This is the greatest gift possible to receive in mortality." Elder Bruce R. McConkie

From a vision of Joseph Smith: "Joseph stepped toward me, and looking very earnestly, yet pleasantly said, 'Tell the people to be humble and faithful, and be sure to keep the spirit of the Lord and it will lead them right. Be careful and not turn away the still small voice; it will teach you what to do and where to go; to keep their hearts open to conviction, so that when the Holy Ghost comes to them, their hearts will be ready to receive it. They can tell the Spirit of the Lord from all other spirits; and their whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness and build up the kingdom of God."

What amazing quotes, right? I hope as the Christmas season continues that each of us will not only remember that Christ is the true reason for the season, but also that the Holy Ghost is "the greatest gift in mortality", a gift better than anything that may be placed in your stocking or under your tree this year. And also remember that it was given to you by a loving Heavenly Father who loves you more than any other person can, and who is always there when you need him.

Sometimes life gets so hectic and stressful that it's hard to remember that the Lord is always there for you, and that he and the Father are constantly wanting to help us, that all we have to do is act. I know that as we each strive to keep the Holy Ghost with us that the spirit can help us remember this, and that he can also lead us and "teach [us] what to do and where to go."

For you Sarah

So, I spent an awesome evening with my sister today and we got talking about blogs, and how it's always a little sad when nobody comments on a post. I kind of lied a couple of entries ago when I said I've stopped posting because I have nothing to post about. That's only part of the reason. I kind of partly stopped posting because I felt like nobody cared if I did...(I've hardly gotten any comments on most of my entries in the last few months, which is kind of depressing) But today my sister and I came to the conclusion that we check each others' blogs almost every day. So I'm going to start trying to post more, even if Sarah is the only one who reads it! As for the rest of you, you can read it too, if you want to. (Just don't be offended if I direct posts specifically to her)

Also, if I'm being completely honest, I haven't really been a very happy person lately, and that may be another reason why I haven't posted much. Well, once upon a time I wrote a couple of posts about how Happiness is a Choice. I think I've forgotten that. And I want to start making that choice again. So just a warning to you, when I'm a happier person, I tend to think EVERYTHING is important and awesome and because I feel that way, I think everyone else does too. So please don't be annoyed if I start posting about silly little things all the time, it'll be a good sign.

And to those of you who have always read my blog that I just don't know about, THANK YOU. Even if I don't know that you're out there caring about what I write, it matters to me that you care. (Also, I am sorry for the lack of pictures on my blog lately, my old camera has kind of started having some issues so I don't use it much, but a little bird tells me that Santa is bringing me a lovely new camera for Christmas-and by that I mean Jacob and I stood in line in the cold for two hours on Black Friday to buy me a new camera)

Amazing Giveaway!!!

So one of my absolute favorite bloggers is having an amazing giveaway on her blog right now. Nichelle over at Vintage Wanna Bee is giving one lucky follower a $100 credit to her etsy store. Yes you read that right, $100!!!! So you really should all go check out her blog and etsy shop. However, I'm not just saying that because of the giveaway, but because Nichelle really is just awesome. Her crafts and items in her shop are all adorable, but that's not all; I love her attitude about life and her personality that really shines through on her blog. I feel like I could be good friends with her if I knew her in real life, and that she'd probably a great person to be around. So seriously, go check out Vintage Wanna Bee! You'll find great craft ideas, inspiration, and often a good laugh.

Opinions Please?

So, I've been quite bored lately, so I've been doing a lot of reading. A lot. And I'm planning on doing more. I've got about 170 books on my "to read" shelf on goodreads. So, I've been thinking I'd maybe start a blog where I do book reviews of the books I'm reading. So, I want your opinion. Would the blog be worth my time? Would any of you be interested in reading it? Please comment and let me know! Thanks!

Back to the books

No, I don't refer to school books. I'm done with school forever! I mean books as in novels and novels as in the books I choose to read and NOT books that my teachers are choosing for me! The reason I haven't posted on my blog for so long is because there isn't really much to post about. I still haven't found a job, and Jacob just started a part time one, which means that I've had a lot of free time and nothing to do. (hence the not posting) Pretty much the only good thing about that has been all the time I've had to read anything I want. I've always loved reading, but during college that love kind of faded a bit because I spent all my time reading for homework, and reading kind of became a tedious thing. It took me a month or so to find my groove, but now I'm back to frequent library visits and reading books in a matter of days. It has been fantastic! I've slowly been working through my "to-read" shelf on goodreads, but I've also been adding books to it. Who knows if I'll ever run out of books I want to read. I certainly hope not.

Anyway, in other news my brother David got married last month and I love his wife Sheridan! She is a great addition to our growing family, which has now doubled in size from the 5 i grew up with to a total of 10! Wow! It was fantastic day and a great sealing in the Salt Lake Temple. I am so grateful to my parents for being such a great example to me and my siblings.

Hmmm, what else to say...I got a new cell phone. I haven't had a new phone in a few years, and even that one was a hand-me-down, as was the one before that. So I'm pretty happy about that. Except I have to build my contacts list from scratch. So any of you reading this, feel free to let me know somehow what your number is I would totally appreciate it!

And that's about all I have to say. Sad, right? My total lack of something to talk about on this blog is the reason for my total lack of posts. So until something worth posting about happens, expect similar long breaks between posting.

Hope life is treating you all well!

Family and the Gospel

This past week has given me a wonderful reminder of how lucky I am to have the family I do and to have the gospel play such a large role in my family and in my life. I spent the last weekend at my family reunion. We rented this great place in Fairview, Utah down by Manti and spent 4 wonderful fun filled days with 40 plus members of my extended family. It is amazing to see just how much our family has grown over the years, and so much fun to have so many little babies in the family again. But the most amazing thing is how close knit our family remains even as we grow bigger and spread out even more. Sometimes I worry I'm just a little too prideful of my family,but generally I think my pride is justified. :) I have rarely met anyone who is as close to their extended family as I am to mine, and I honestly couldn't imagine how different my life would be without those relationships. I am truly so grateful for my grandparents and the family they have build and to my aunts, uncles, and cousins for being such amazing family members and friends.

The wonderful experience of the reunion was followed by an even more amazing experience as my new cousin Emmali was sealed to Jon and Kim in the Bountiful Temple. There were so many family members there to support them, and the Spirit was so strong, the feeling was truly indescribable. It was such a touching experience to see their family together in the temple and know that because of gospel covenants they will be together forever. I can remember all the years of praying on their behalf and the experience in the temple was a testament to the power of prayer.

I am so grateful for my family and for the gospel and only hope that I can do my part to pass on the legacy when I have my own children.

OMG...giveaways galore!

Okay, for all my crafting friends out there, you have to check out the Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway Day!

There are tons of giveaways going on right now that you can enter for amazing fabrics, handmade goods, and so many other things! Most of the giveaways end tomorrow or the day after, so go check them out RIGHT NOW!!!

Here is a link for you: Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway List

Good luck! I'm really hoping I finally win my first giveaway this week!

I should probably write a post all about how I'm a college graduate and how we moved away from Provo today, (and this time I won't be moving back at the end of the summer) and how it's our one year anniversary in two days and all that....

But I'm too tired to do so today. Cause I've been packing and moving all day, and I'm getting a cold, and something is SERIOUSLY wrong with my foot. It hurts to walk. It hurts a lot. Like I kind of want to cut it off.

So you'll all just have to wait a little longer. Plus, I know you want to see me all capped and gowned and I'm currently not 100 percent sure as to the location of my camera...and the pictures on my camera looked a little blurry, so I might as well wait till someone, (Dad, Sarah, hint hint) e-mails me some better ones. So we'll just be all patient together.

You'll probably not have to wait long and get a post all about stuff in the next few days, since I'm all graduated and jobless, and will probably be out of my mind with boredom. If anyone knows of any jobs in the Salt Lake/Holladay area, preferably editing or writing jobs, I'd love to hear about them and therefore not go out of my mind. Or, you can always come play with me, or pick me up to play! I'm always willing to have some fun (Especially if you pay for the playing that costs money)

Hope that update will hold you off till I'm feeling less lazy and more up to an entertaining and informational post.

Prayers Please

Hey guys, remember how excited I was that my Aunt and Uncle were in China adopting a little girl? Well, I'm still super excited about that new cousin, but they've ran into a slight problem. Their flight home got canceled and they are left to find their own way home! They need as many prayers and happy thoughts as they can get. I know a lot of my readers are family and will already be praying for them, but for those of you who aren't, please add your prayers to all the many others being offered in their behalf so that they can find a way home and also that they can find somewhere to stay after their current hotel reservations run out. And if you need any motivation, here's a picture of their lovely family:



Thanks for your prayers!


EDIT: They've found a way home! Once again, thanks so much for all your prayers!

You'll want to know about this

Amazing Giveaway!!!

For full information, you'll want to check out this post here on She Wears Flowers, but I'll give you a little bit of an intro here:

Tammy over at She Wears Flowers is having an awesome giveaway for Miss Pretty Pretty's card table felt playhouses. They are fantastic! Here are just a few examples:






Aren't they adorable? You can see even more options at Miss Pretty Pretty's Etsy Shop

Now I know most of you reading this don't have kids of your own, but seriously, wouldn't these be an amazing gift for someone's kid? I'm sure you all have at least one little kid that you'd love to give this to!

So go check it out! Once again, the giveaway is here

Oh my goodness!

You HAVE to check out this amazing giveaway over at Vintage Wanna Bee (which is one of my favorite craft blogs lately)! One of her followers will win all of this:




Want to enter? Check out this blog post

Thinking About . . .

How lucky I am to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to spend this weekend listening to our prophet and other church leaders give us counsel from the Lord. I didn't pay as much attention as I should have or wanted to, but I'm looking forward to the Conference Ensign so I can read all of the talks over again.

A lot of the time I think I'm doing really good at healing from things I've gone through in the past and finally gaining a healthy amount of self-confidence. Then I get on a down slope, usually for no reason that I can think of, and start feeling really bad about myself again.

Lately I think that's because I worry about what I'm doing with my life. Do I have enough purpose in my life? I need to find a job in the next month since I'm graduating and all, but I can't seem to find very much passion for an editing job in my heart. Sometimes I worry that I'm not passionate about anything, at least not passionate enough. Sometimes I feel like I must be the most boring person in the world.

One day last week I was bored/avoiding writing a paper, and I was reading my writing blog and thinking that I was decent writer and I wish I would have kept it up instead of hardly writing when I didn't have a class that gave me a reason to write. But that brings me back to the whole passion thing. I generally wrote about things I was going through, trying to get over, about family members, etc. And I don't know what I care enough right now to write about...hmmmm. Dilemma. Somebody should tell me something to write about.

Kids are adorable. But, I'm not saying I want one yet. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever feel ready to be a mom. Moms amaze me. Especially mine. And my sister. And they're kids are amazing(not biased at all). Evelyn is the most entertaining kid to be around, and she is so smart! I love watching her learn something new every day I see her! I'm so proud to be her aunt. And Leah is the sweetest little baby ever! I know all babies are that, but really, Leah is!

Next weekend I'm going up with Sarah for girl's weekend at my parents. I'm so excited! Because I get to spend it with those girls I was talking about above. And I don't just mean the little ones, but those amazing moms too! And, my soon to be sister-in-law! That's right, David and Sheridan set a temple date. Though that slow-poke still needs to give her a ring. But I'm super excited for them! (Hope I'm allowed to tell people about this, if not, Shhh)

Finally, I have an amazing husband! He has put up with everything I've thrown his way and never stopped loving me. He always puts my happiness first, and that means to much to me!

I may not have everything I want, or even know what all I want, but I am truly blessed.