New Years Resolutions

New Years Resolutions. When I say that, what do you think? Do you think of all the things from the past you had told yourself you were going to do, or stop, but fell through? Do you laugh and shake your head? Or are you appreciative that you have a whole new year you can wipe the slate clean and start anew?

This year, I am really appreciating the fact I can have a clean slate. I have a few things I want to work on for myself. I would very much love it if you see me breaking any of these, set me straight. ;)

1. NO soda. Period. I am currently drinking one last big mountain dew.

2. Read my scriptures EVERY DAY.

3. Pray every day.

4. Make it to my goal weight. 155lbs

5. Make myself more self confident.

6. I want to be less of a wall flower. Make 5 new friends by the end of 2012.

I know this is a lot, but some of them intertwine with others. I will need some help and work on these, but I know, with the help and support of you all, I can do it.

I have a strong feeling that this year is going to be much different than last year, for everyone. As long as we have friends, family and plenty of love (for EVERY human) 2012 will be a beautiful year. This year, we can jump over any hurtle, climb any mountain and survive any storm. I very much believe this to be true.

Start the year of saying "I can." if you do that every day, you will be set. "I can loose that baby fat..." "I can stop smoking." "I can be the best me, love the ones around me, and I can move mountains." (Those are examples)

Don't you ever say you can't. Everything and anything is possible, if you just have faith. I don't just mean you have to believe in Christ, but if you tell yourself something will work out, you need to believe it, and have the faith that it will. Faith is more that just your religious knowledge of a higher being, or lack there of. It's turning the light on when you go into a dark room. It's turning your car on. It's having faith on others that you can go on a green light without worrying about a red light runner. Faith is much more. and I have faith in all of you, that you can be who ever you want to be, do whatever you want to do with your life and soar above the clouds, above the world and it's "reality". Look into your heart and figure out what really is important to you.

With that said, what are your New Years Resolutions? How can I help you with them or help you keep them?

I think I'm going to go make Chocolate chip cookies now.

<3 Crafty Orange

Thinking back. Has it Already Been 1 Year?

As of Sunday, I will have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It's hard to believe it has already been one whole year. One whole year since my friend Elder Stradling left for Argentina. Almost one year since Elder Scoggin left for Utah. One year since I had decided to change my life for the better.

You may not be behind my decision 100%, but at least support the fact that I have found more joy in 1 year, than I have felt in 5 or more years.

Looking back since graduation, I can truly see a difference in myself. Even from my Baptismal date to now. So, before, I have only told pieces of my conversion story, but here, for the first time, I will write it all out.

Back in October of last year (2010) I was not in school and was Jobless. So, my friends, the Stradlings, were getting ready to send one of the boys off. So, I spent the whole week before his farewell with them, helping get the house ready. They get up every morning at 6am to read scriptures, every one of them. So, as a guest in their house, I felt I was no exception. So I got up with them and read too. I felt a little weird at first, but felt right by the end of the week. One night, I hid in the room I was staying in and one of the girls (my age, whose room I was staying in) and we talked. I was feeling a bit lonely and left out because I only really knew a handful of the family. So, in talking, she got up and pulled a picture out. The picture was of a little girl and Jesus. In the background was a city, but there was no one else. She was holing up a flower for him and he had his arms opened wide for her. She reminded me of myself.

My friend told me she was at the store, spending some of her birthday money, and she had grabbed this picture. She had told herself she didn't need it and put it back. But before she left, she had purchased it, unsure why. But now, she knew. She also read me scriptures and told me that Jesus is my savior, my brother, and best friend.

Sunday, Elder Stradling's talk really hit home for me and made me think, knowing him, how hard it was for him to leave his family. Then I thought why is he doing this? Then it hit me. He knows the truthfulness of it and wishes to share it. Afterwards, my mom and Stradling momma and the 3 youngest boys (Including Elder Stradling) went off and took pictures. Elder Scoggin, my friend, and I went back to the Stradling house and we talked about religion. She had this book that had a few pictures of it and she began asking Elder Scoggin what the thought was happening and going on in each picture. It was a hoot. :)

On Wednesday of that week, I received a phone call to set up a job interview for the first time in 6 months. It was the first time and the very first thing that gave me a testimony that when you read the scriptures, you are blessed. By the time I headed home, I had the picture and a set of scriptures. My friend had given me her first set of scriptures. On the front of the Book of Mormon, she wrote her testimony and a little note for me. So, having the scriptures, I decided to study them. Before she gave them to me, I told her I was still unsure about becoming a member or taking lessons, that I would read the Book of Mormon and research it a bit more. This is the funny part. The Monday we were home, my mom and I went to subway and all of a sudden a flood of Elders and Sister Missionaries came pouring through the door. (The subway was right near the Mission house). So, I let them eat and I talked to them a little bit. Dumbfounded a few. Using words like "testimony" and such. I told them a little about what was going on and they said offered t send over our missionaries. I told them no because I didn't feel I was ready yet. I had my 2 friends who were getting ready for their missions to help me understand things here and there. So, Tuesday night, we were walking home from having dinner and we ran into our missionaries. I got their number just in case, but told them I wasn't ready for the lessons. The next night we had just finished shopping, so we went to a Chinese buffet and sure enough, there were two missionaries sitting at a table with this man eating. I told Elder Stradling about this (before he left) and he said "It's a sign." So, I called up my elders, or texted them, and we set up an appointment for them to come give the first lesson. The middle of November, they asked me to start going to church, so I did. I received a ride from a couple who lived in my complex every Sunday.

The first Saturday of December, there was a baptism in another area they invited me to go see. And as much as it pains me to say, there is such thing as Mormon standard time. He he. We got there for the tail end of the last talk and the closing hymn. Afterwards, they reopened the font and I walked over to look at it. I have to be honest; I thought it was going to be this amazingly decorated, epic thing. So my first thought was 'oh, that's it?' But then Suddenly, I felt this sweep of emotions fill me. There are no words that can come close to explaining, but a few that are the tip of the ice burg are joy, peace, calmness, warmth. Tears began threatening to burst through, but only sort of knowing 2 missionaries that were there, and seeing the cute guys, I made myself keep it in.

I didn't tell the Elders about this experience till the 9th. They looked at each other, then to me, smiled then said "This is the sign you were praying for. You are ready for baptism." (Apparently I was so excited that night, I couldn't sleep) I was scheduled for a Baptismal Interview the 14th. I sat there, talking to the Elder conducting it. We talked about a lot. He knew I was nervous, so, we started off on small talk. But as we headed for the end of the interview he asked me about my testimony of Jesus Christ. As I inhaled to answer, I felt a pair of hands upon my shoulders and I knew for a fact, it was my grandfather.

He was my grandfather on my dad's side. He passed away when my dad was 18 months old, so my dad didn't even know him. But somehow, I connected with my grandfather. My dad's side of the family is about 90% members. It's a rough estimate. So, during this whole thing, I had been talking to my great aunts who live up in Utah. They sent me a journal and pictures of my grandfather. I know he is proud of me and I can't wait to meet him one day.

Anyways, one of the Elders was moved the Wednesday just before my baptism. Thus, I made the other Elder give a talk. I told the Stradling family and a mutual friend, Elder Scoggin, and they all happened to be getting out of school for break that week (minus Elder Scoggin because he wasn't going to school). And It just so happened, it was his birthday too! He was happy about the fact that we were baptized exactly 11 years apart or something like that.

The whole time leading up to my baptism, my friend who was my age from the Stradling family kept asking me if I was nervous. Every time I replied no. I started to wonder if I should be.

I ended up singing at my own baptism (thanks to my friend). On a side note, I learned the song that day. So, we get to the part where I get into the font.. This just shows you the story of my life. I go to get into the font and the door was still locked to get into the font. I guess people were starting to worry while I stood there, unsure of what to do. We got it unlocked and I was really worried the water was going to be cold. Pleasant surprise, it was warm. (I guess that's the good thing about having a place to get baptized that has in-door plumbing). 

*Time to go get my journal to depict what I was feeling correctly* ~I realize now, going back and reading, i missed some stuff. Glad I wrote everything down!~


I remember coming out of the water, giving Papa Stradling a big hug and went to change. I stood there, just inside of the door and just as my mom walked in, I burst into tears. I was so overwhelmed with joy. I wrote in my journal that night, "It's so amazing how I feel. So clean, so pure, so happy and so loved. I Physically feel clean and tingly. I am so happy and blessed." You know that feeling just after you get out of the shower, how you feel clean. Multiply that by 100 and you will get close to how that felt.

(Elder Ingram, Me, Elder Hefner)

I Have truly seen this gospel change my life. Sometimes I wonder what life would have been like if I hadn't spent the week with the Stradlings. What if I hadn't taken the lessons? What if I didn't get baptized? Then I cross it all out of my mind because What does it matter? I am happy now and I made the right choice.


I truly am blessed with such wonderful family and friends. I love you all. Heavenly Father and Jesus love you too.


I'm not going to leave you with a question or a pondering because this took me forever to write.

<3 Crafty Orange

My Cute Temple Testimony

Living in Arizona, in the phoenix area, one of THE biggest Christ mas traditions, no matter what religion you are, is going to see the Mesa LDS Temple Christmas Lights.

When I was little, we went every year. I remember almost every single visit we took to see the lights. My favorite set was the three wise men. They are placed in front of the Visitor's Center in the big feild of green grass. (Where they also perform the Easter Pageant.)

I can remember every time I was on the temple grounds, whatever was troubling me was lifted off of my shoulders. I felt a peace there I have never felt anywhere else before. Even as a young child, I knew this place was special. And though I knew I couldn’t go into the one big building part of the temple, I wanted to and some how, part of me knew that one day, I would. Now that I look back, almost 1 year after my baptism, I wonder why I hadn’t been more open to the gospel before. But Having had these feelings every year for as long as I can remember, even when I wasn’t a member, just proves to me the amazingness and righteousness of the temple and the trueness of the Gospel.

We went to the temple lights with my missionaries the Monday or Tuesday before my baptism, then I believe the Sunday I was confirmed, and it’s amazing the difference I felt. And so, in July I received my temple recommend and did baptisms, so when I go, the feelings of the temple and the blessings feel so familiar to me. It truly is a beautiful and spiritual place.

When I went with the Missionaries last year, we visited the Cristus Statue and after the presentation, this Hispanic family wheeled grandma up to the statue. She placed her hands on his feet and said "I'm coming home" (In Spanish). The family all surrounded her and they preyed. She knew, you could see it in her eyes, that would be her last Christmas.

The Temple is a beautiful place and even if you are not a member, I invite you to go see the lights at least. They really are a beautiful sight.

I know that the Temple is God's home on Earth and that through the Temple, we can all be with our families again. Families can be together forever, through Heaven'y Father's plan. (Primary song! 10 points!)

So readers, what are your feelings of the Mesa LDS Temple Christmas Lights? What is your favorite part?

I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

You really should go see the lights. Really.... GO!

<3 Crafty Orange

That feeling you get when you realize just how much time has past...

Yeah, totally feeling that today. I was listening to the radio and it was advertising the Phoenix Zoo lights and how they are celebrating 20 years of it. I sat there and thought "oh, that's only one year longer than I am. (6months actually) I sat there and realized, wow, I'm almost 6 months away from hitting the big 2-0. And it really made me think of my life. And of course it doesn't help my little brother has a choir concert tonight. I'm not saying anything bad about the choir, it just reminds me of high school and though it wasn't very long ago, I look back and all I can do is shake my head and smile a little.

High School wan't easy for me in any means, but if I had know then even half of what I knew now, I wonder how it would be different. I'm not regretting anything and I'm not trying to reopen sores, but I'm looking and seeing how I have grown. Even in the last year, I have grown so much. People keep telling me how much I have changed and grown and matured. But it wasn't until now, now that I look back, just how much I have.

I remember during high school I would tell my friends how mature I was and I was often mistaken for an upperclassmen  I look back and laugh. I was mature for my age, but not as mature as I thought I was. And all this time I sit here and reflect, I never regret a single friendship or that test I didn't study for, but I look at it as growth.

When my brothers and I would get into trouble, even true still, my mom would ask us "What have you learned?" And as angry and frustrated as she may have been, in those few words that have stuck in my mind, she taught us the importance of learning and growing stronger for your mistakes. So, when I have children, and they get into trouble, I will ask them, "What did you learn?"

I could sit here all day reflecting on the past out loud on here, but I won't. Why? Because I have a whole big grand live ahead of me. I know me thinking back to the fact that I'm 19, almost 20, and how long and old that makes me feel, I remember, I have at least another 20+ to go. And then, when I'm older, I can look at this post and laugh at myself again saying "How young and crazy I was." I just feel old talking to my little brother's friends "Back when I was in high school..." *facepalm*

So, I leave you with this my bloggy readers, what is your fondest memory of growing up? Feel free to put that in the comment box.

May your years be filled with love, Joy and growth.

<3 Crafty Orange

A Glimpse into the Future

***NOTE*** I started this one last night but had to go to bed because that's what you do when you don't feel good. At least your supposed to.

So, being a 19 year old in my church, mairrage comes up a lot. Weather it be in conversation, lessons, or through friends who are getting married. And as I sit here, typing, I realize just how much this post has to do with the one I posted today.

So, yesterday, I was watching tv at the family I babysit for's house. Just watching commercials and people talk about the holidays and being with family, made me realize, I will have that too. Some day. Not that I want it now. But I sat there, thinking about what my family will be like. Who will host Thanksgiving dinner? Whose house will we go to for Christmas? In thinking, a thought swept across my mind and as fast as it had appeared, it was gone. Who would be the one I would share this with? I told myself, who knows, and went on.

I am truly blessed to have all of the babysitting gigs I have had because it has helped me figure out all of the workings of motherhood instead of just being thrust into it. I don't know everything, but at least I can go through a whole day and feel accomplished. I have to admit, I am worried sick about being a mother, but just following in my mom's footsteps, I don't think I have anything to be worried about. And I know very well, what works for one child, might not for another, but it's a good start. I still worry when I see kids throwing fits in the store and hope my kids are not like that. They will have their moments, but I hope that's all.

And when the years go by, will my eternal companion still be by my side? And will we grow old together?

What does my future look like? Who the heck knows. But I sure as heck want to find out.

So readers, what worries/hopes do you have for the future? And how will you make the best of it?

A toast to the future!

>.< Not that kind of toast!

<3 Crafty Orange

The definition of Christmas (Through my eyes)

What is Christmas? Between the pushing and shoving to get the exact toy Jimmy wants, stores stating they have the lowest prices, to the horrible hurry of traffic every day. Why is it that during this time of year we all stress out, freak out and so easily forget what this time of year is really all about.

The reasoning for this Holiday is very simple and basic, so much so that it gets overlooked so easily.

Let's start from the beginning. What IS Christmas? Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. There's no way or reason to dispute that. But it just so happens that several other holidays are places during this month. Yule is one such Holiday that is celebrated by pagans known as Winter Solstice. This is a celebration of the winter season, starting on or about December 21st. Now, when the Romans were trying to press Christianity onto the world as the Roman Empire expanded. The birth of Christ was believed to actually have happened in the spring (if memory serves me correctly.) The Romans ran into so many Pagan people, they put the celebrating of Christ's Birthday closer to the very popular Pagan Holiday.

Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and savor. It's about asking yourself, reminding yourself, what would Jesus do? It's to reflect on the sacrifice he made for everyone's sins. It's to celebrate the birthday of the most wonderful man the world has ever seen. I read a book to a little boy I babysit the other night and in it is asked "Why do we give presents on Christmas?" At the end of the book it answered that question in the best way I have ever heard. "We give presents because it's Jesus' Birthday."

Most of all, I believe Christmas, no mater what religion you are, is about being more Christlike. Almost everyone know the basic teaching of Jesus and who he was. He was not judgmental, helped others and gave the ultimate sacrifice to people.

This time of year shouldn't be about how much you spent on presents or who throws the best Christmas party, but how you serve others and how to be more Christlike.

***Note*** These are my personal beliefs. So please don't try to argue with me about them. You are not going to change my opinion.

I personally believe if you want to take Christ out of Christmas, then you shouldn't celebrate Christmas. If your faith has another holiday, follow that. If you don't have a religion, find something else about the time of year to celebrate and be joyful for. And I believe if a school celebrates one winter holiday, they should also try teaching and celebrating about the rest.

So, here's my challenge to you. write what you believe Christmas or this time of year is about.

Be Jolly, be Marry, and most importantly, serve others.

<3 Crafty Orange

Christmas past

After my parents divorced, all of our Christmas traditions went out the window. So, my freshman year of high school was our first Christmas not as a family. I lost the feeling and joy of Christmas. It was just another day where people were worried about shopping.

It saddened me because I had loved Christmas as a child. All of our family was there, who lived in-state. We would open presents, watch movies, eat lots of food, make cookies. Some of my fondest memories of my grandparents are from Christmas past. Then it all changed.

All through high school, my "theme song" seemed to be "Where are you Christmas" because I was so lost on what the purpose of all the joy of the season. But just last year, I finally found it.

I began taking lessons from the missionaries and I knew, I had found the joy and reason for Christmas. I was baptized December 18th 2010 into the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was so happy every day of December that I had found Christ.

And I know we all can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday, but remember, the best things in life are not things. Try writing down on a piece of paper what this time of year means to you and why.
Merry Christmas!

<3 Crafty Orange

Home made peppermint bark.

So, a few days back, I decided I wanted to try making peppermint bark from scratch. So I went to Argentina and got some cocoa beans... lol KIDDING! But anyways, I went ahead and made it. I learned a few things and now I think tonight I'll make more.

One of my mom's co-workers had given her some food. Well, I washed the container and me, being a baker, filled it with peppermint bark.

***NOTE*** For those who don't know, it's polite to not return a plate or container to it's owner empty.

Anyways, she is a sweetheart and shared with some other people at work. Well, apparently several people loved it. The woman I babysit for commented that I should try selling it. I think that is a dandy idea. Mom said she has no idea how to market it. Mark said it sells itself. So, I'm trying to decide, should I sell it?

So here's my question to you, Should I sell it and for how much? I'm going to start making them in cupcake baking cups. So they will not be very big. I'm thinking we could sell them by piece and in like a pack, so like 5 for $1? 12 for $7? What do you guys think?

<3 Crafty Orange