I Actually Had to Dream of a White Christmas

As members of the LDS faith, we share a belief with many other Christians  that Jesus Christ was actually born in the springtime (April, specifically), and not in the dead of winter like we celebrate. I've heard that Christmas in December has something to do with ancient Pagan rituals and some king wanting to give Christians something un-blasphemous to do, etcetera, etcetera... But I think the REAL reason someone decided to celebrate the birth of Christ at the end of December is because winter needed a little light and joy. And oh how grateful I am to whoever made that decision! Christmas could not have come at a more perfect time this year.

After an extremely stressful semester and an extra few days of work to top it all off, I was nothing short of ecstatic to be home for the holidays. I honestly could have gotten dirt for Christmas and still have been perfectly satisfied. This Christmas, all I wanted was my home and my family and a break from the hectic life of work and school, and that's exactly what I got. My dad and the boys were off of school, Hilary and Brian were spending some time living in my parents' house while they were in-between places and Trevor and Sherstin stayed in Farmington for the holidays, meaning I got my whole family around me at nearly all times. We had the rockinest family Christmas party of all time with my mom's family (Seriously though. It was legendary.), we played lots of games, ate lots of food, made new ornaments for our over-sized Charlie Brown tree, and just enjoyed being together. I even got a bonus of being able to spend a lot of time with my best friend who is finally back in my life after two long years and his family. I didn't even mind that for the first time in my life (that I can remember anyway), the only snow on the ground was the occasional un-melted dirty black mound in a parking lot or on the side of the road. I didn't need a white Christmas--the amount of loving going on filled that void.

I will spare you the details of my winter break (at least for now) and simply state that I had one of the most wonderful and magical Christmases of my life. I probably would have (at least) come close to quitting work and school and life and resorting to being a bum for the rest of my life if it hadn't been for the perfect timing of Christmas. So thank you, Mr. King-man who put Christmas in December to show those dirty Pagans who's boss, you have made my winter a lot less bleak.

Happy Holidays!

I Love This Boy

Meet Tate:

14-year-old junior high heart-throb with a melt-your-heart smile (and dimples!). Not only is my little brother a complete stud and extremely talented in many fields (not to mention quite a bit taller than me now), but he has the biggest heart of anyone you'll ever meet. This boy loves everyone. He looks out for his family, respects girls, and is protective of his sisters. He never offends and is always willing to help. Tonight he reminded me of just why I love him and look up to him so much. He would go to the end of the world and back to protect or defend my sisters and me if needed. He is sensitive and tries his best to let nothing offend the spirit. Tate may be messy and a bit of an air head at times, but this boy would save the world if he could. I love him and someday I hope to be as strong as he is. 

Thank you, Tate, for always being your best and making me want to try harder. I love you.

Two Homes

First off, I would just like to apologize to the blogging world for my lack of substance in my blog entries as of late. There has definitely been a lot to write about, but for some reason all that's been coming out has to do with nail polish, hunger pains, and creepy duck songs. I'll try to stay away from those topics for a while. 


Right now I really miss Logan. It's taken me this long for it to sink in that I'm not just home for a weekend or holiday. I miss being in the mountains. I miss the smell. (Not the cow fart smell you get in Nibley and Wellsville that sometimes wafts in on windy days. I'm talking about the fresh mountain air smell.) I miss Merrill Hall. I miss the cinder block walls (which you're not allowed to lick because they have lead in them) decorated with Post-It Notes. I miss finding a giant fuzzy spider with a hilarious note attached to it in random places. But mostly, I miss the people.


I miss running barefoot down two flights of stairs to just sit on the couch with Kelsey and Angel and Lauren, late night chats with Emily about boys, drama, and TV shows, falling asleep to the sound of Lindsay and Christine laughing at something completely random in the next room, going to church with the most awesome student ward that there ever was, walking to class with Andrew, snuggling with Brooklin when Spencer wasn't around, watching everyone flinch when Benson kicked the door as he passed, hanging out with "the boys," laughing hysterically with Sara about something that no one else saw or heard, and everything else that went on in our tiny little world.


But even though I hate that the people I'm used to seeing every day are now spread out all over the state, I do love being home. I love being with my family and sharing a room with my mom (her office and my bedroom got hitched). I love spending all day with the world's most beautiful little girls that remind me the world is fascinating and full of adventure. I love not having homework! I love having my meals cooked for me, not buying groceries, and knowing that when I put laundry in the hamper, it somehow magically appears clean and in my laundry basket in no time at all. (Thanks, Mom!) I love having a dishwasher and a garbage disposal and a microwave big enough to fit a full bag of popcorn. Most of all, I love that there isn't anyone here who I dread having to see. (Yeah, I know. I'm horrible and heartless. But I REALLY don't miss living with Thing One and Thing Two.) I love that this place will ALWAYS be my home.


I could keep going, but now I'm getting long and ramble-y. (Sorry. No happy medium.) I guess this is what happens when you have two places that feel like home. You can't be in one without missing the other. At least I know that Logan will still be there waiting for me in the fall. For now, I'm just waiting for summer to officially begin so I can hopefully have some adventures!