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P.S. These pictures will be outdated by next Summer, as a new niece or nephew is on the way!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