I Am So Blessed

I had the opportunity to go to the Draper Temple yesterday with a group of my friends. It was exactly what I needed and I felt slightly ashamed that I hadn't figured that out sooner. As I was sitting in the Celestial Room I looked around me at the people I had gone with and was filled with the Spirit and with so much love. I realized how greatly blessed I have been. Heavenly Father gave me these wonderful people from my ward at a time when I needed them most. They welcomed me with open arms from the moment I first walked into that ward and I believe they will be my eternal friends. They did not run when my emotional baggage came to light, instead they held me tighter. Heavenly Father has also blessed me with friends at work who make facing each day a little easier (and much more entertaining). I honestly don't believe I would be able to do my job if it weren't for the friends I have at work. Heavenly Father has blessed me with longtime friends. I have friends who I have known for over 10 years who still enjoy spending time with me. They know me probably better than I know myself. I have friends who have accepted me into their family, and by so doing have become family, with no hesitation; who have allowed me to become "Aunt Sar" or "Auntie Sarah." Names that mean more to me than I ever thought they would. I have been given family members who are also considered best friends. People who I know will always be there when no one else is on my "Okay List."
At a time in my life when everything feels so uncertain and often very lonely I have been blessed with friends who love me for me and help me become a better person. It is comforting for me to know that while I have become aware, within the last month, that I face some major decisions and some gigantic scary steps I have not been asked to do it alone. Heavenly Father has filled my life with friends.

A New Business Venture...

As many people know, I L-O-V-E love to knit. When I am knitting it is the only time that my mind is either completely calm and stress-free or fully able to think in a rational manner. The rest of the time I'm this psycho mess of whacky emotions.

I have been able to use this stress reliever not only for myself, but for others. I have made many baby blankets, baby hats, adult afghans, and scarves. It is purely seflish because not only do I receive the calming influence of knitting but I also experience the joy that comes from giving.

It's now time to branch out. I took a class and learned to make the new headwraps that are suddenly in style and I have decided to become a business woman. I have made 3 of these wraps already and sold 2. So, here's where my sales pitch comes in. If anyone is interested in purchasing one of my headwraps please let me know. I am selling them for $12 and I am willing to ship them if necessary for only $2 more. I will also take color requests. If you would like to buy a headwrap or if you have questions either comment on this post or e-mail me at swscarlett@gmail.com. Please pass the word along to all your friends and family. I am really excited about this! As new projects become available I will post pictures here.

Community Building at Valley???

Disclaimer: This blog is a lot more interesting with the video. However, I once again failed at uploading a video straight to my blog, so you'll have to click on the link.

Today during our usual Friday staff meeting one of the math teachers made a proposal. She showed us this clip from the Oprah Winfrey show and suggested we do something similar with the faculty AND our students at the end of the year. She also said she would check on some connections to see if we could get it on the news. The more I think about her idea the more I love it. The cheerleaders and student body officers will be recruited to go from Advisory to Advisory to teach it, which means the cheer advisor (that's still me) would have to learn it as well.
What do you think???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvljD0toJmU

Happy 2010!!

I got to spend New Years' Eve with some of the greatest friends a girl could ask for. Our evening was fairly low key, but the company and conversation was great.
We decided to just stay at Amber's this year. We enjoyed a tasty dinner at McGrath's Fish House at the Gateway and then headed to Amber's for the rest of the night. I had a lot of fun and I am very grateful for fantastic friends.

After dinner Heather got a little turned around on the drive home (which is potentially scary in downtown Salt Lake City). Sure enough we ended up in a shady area. We were feeling a little wild and crazy and made Heather pull over so we could take a picture to document our adventure trying to get home. This picture pretty much explains it...

Ringing in the New Year with Haylee, Heather, and Amber.

I have a couple days to ponder on the new year. I am feeling optimistic about 2010. I just have a great feeling about this year, and I am anxious to see what Heavenly Father has in store for me this year.

I have also spent time thinking about this last decade (it sure went fast!). A lot of things happened in my life and I can see how much I've grown and how much I've been blessed. Here's a brief summary of what I've thought about:

• I graduated from high school in 2001.
• I earned a Bachelor's degree.
• I earned a Master's degree.
• I spent a semester strengthening my testimony at the Joseph Smith Academy in Nauvoo, Illinois.
• I have nearly 200 college credits.
• I bought 2 cars.
• I was in 3 car accidents (none of which were my fault, and only one of which I was driving).
• I fell in love.
• I experienced grief like I never thought I would.
• I had 5 different jobs.
• I moved 3 times (all of which were in the last 2 years).
• I've held 4 different church callings.
• I waited for a missionary.
• I learned to knit.
• I made new friends who will forever have an impact on my life.
• I have attended 2 different wards.
• I have worked with over 700 students.
• I've traveled to Hawaii twice, Canada 5 times, Florida, California, Idaho, Wyoming, Washingon, Oregon, Illinois, Ohio, Nebraska, New York, Nevada.
• I questioned my testimony and what I believe.
• I found peace.
• I recieved my endowments in the Jordan River Temple December 28, 2008.
• I read the Book of Mormon several times.

For now, that's all I can think of. There were many more events over the last 10 years. I feel incredibly blessed and I am thankful for all that I have. I am looking forward to this year and I pray that all my friends and family will be safe, be healthy, and have peace for the decade to come.