Christmas Morning

Gifts were handed out by Santa (aka my dad), our traditional breakfast of sausage egg casserole and cinnamon rolls was eaten halfway through opening presents because we just couldn't wait, smiles and "thank you's" were shared, a holiday scavenger hunt occurred, home videos of Christmas' past were watched and the Christmas spirit was alive!

That is, until I had to pack everything I own to fit in my car so my brother could drive it to Salt Lake, get ready to leave, head to the airport and board my flight to Tampa! It was hard to leave my fam on Christmas day, but my dad had a meeting in Sarasota the next day so luckily he was able to fly with me!

^^Christmas dinner with daddy at Pappas Burgers in the Houston airport. Festive.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve this year was really different, but still festive. I loved that Stephen and Rachel were able to come down, which made being in Albuquerque for the holidays a little better. 

We slept in, had an amazing breakfast of German pancakes, did some last minute shopping, got treated to pedicures (Stephen's first one!), had our traditional Christmas Eve dinner, watched Home Alone, visited two houses that were decked out in lights and set to music, played games, opened up matching pajamas, and then wrapped gifts all night.

Don't get me wrong, I loved spending it at home with just my immediate family, but there were times where I reeeeallyyy wished I was in Salt Lake, in my grandparents quaint little house, with the rest of the fam celebrating. Nothing beats tradition. And that's what lacked a little bit this year.

Pictures from Christmas Eve last year....

38,000 feet above you..

...or something like that. HOW CRAZY IS THIS?! Right now I am currently sitting in an airplane somewhere wayyyy above Round Rock, Texas and we're going 547 mph (or so the flight tracker tells me) Technology is seriously insane these days! Like..how am I blogging right now? My computer is incredibly smarter than me and it literally blows my mind. Anyway..just thought I had to blog this awesome fact! See you soon Tampa!

A sad goodbye and Christmas baking

I have this problem. And I am very aware of it. I wish I wasn't this way, and I wish there was a solution to prevent it from happening...but it is what it is and I guess that is just what makes "me" me. 

With that being said, the problem is that I get attached to people WAY too easily. I think when I first moved to the ABQ in September, I told myself I wasn't going to make any friends because subconsciously I didn't want to have to go through saying painful goodbyes....again. I didn't go to church activities, dances or any other social outings I was invited to because of this reason. Therefore, I spent most of my time with my parents, shopping, cooking and becoming BFF's with the fictional characters on Grey's Anatomy and Friends. That was working for awhile, but then at the end of September, I got hired at Kohls. I figured it was the perfect opportunity to make some extra money before going back to school and would save me from the laziness and boredom I was currently demonstrating. Little did I know, I would love working there! A lot of my co-workers complain about the job, customers, management, etc. but I can sincerely say I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working for this great company and I am SO sad to leave. Sad enough that I've even been contemplating staying in New Mexico and enrolling in classes at UNM for school, instead of going back up to Idaho. My life here has resulted in an extremely long roller coaster of emotions over these past four months. There have been several days where I've felt lonely and friendless, but I know that is only my own fault and an outcome due to my actions. Friendships take time to build, and right when I feel like I've finally made some good friends at work, I have to leave. Last week when I was in the office informing my manager that I had to quit, tears couldn't help but form around my eyes (no, I did not actually cry...). I'm truly going to miss the friends I've made and my managers who have taught me in more ways than they probably realize. Tonight is officially my last night as an employee, and I wouldn't be surprised if I shed a couple tears on my drive home. (Told you I have a problem..) It breaks my heart, and I wish I could stay. But I know I am supposed to be studying at BYUI next semester and although I'm sad to leave, there are exciting opportunities and experiences awaiting in the future!

On another note, Christmas baking this holiday season has swung into full gear! I swear I've already gained 10 pounds just from cookies, candies, toffee, etc. Thank you neighbors and ward members.

**Photo Booth quality..I think it's funny that the angle makes it appear I'm taller than the fridge.

Not only have we been getting plates after plates of treats delivered to us, but my mom and I have been having fun baking up a storm in the kitchen as well.

Peppermint brownies I made for the work potluck

And this cake will be made for tomorrow night's dessert. Mmmm :)

I think it's safe to say Lindsey will be going on majorrrr diet starting in January. Wait, don't I always start a diet at the beginning of the year?? Yep. I sure do. Last year me and Beth determined to live a "No-junk January", a "Fat-free February", and so on and so on. All I can remember is that it didn't last very long. Merry Christmas everyone, and I hope you're getting your baking on just as much as I am. It's the most wonderful time of the year!! (p.s. there's snow on the ground outside right now...LOVE it!!)

Waiting and waiting and waiting...

Yep. This video pretty much sums up how I feel about Christmas morning. I am guilty of being "that" kid who always ate all the chocolate candies from the advent calendar before the middle of December hit, and tracking Santa's progress, starting way back in October. I am a little kid at heart..and the anticipation is killing me. Only six more days!!! (Also, I got my parents the best gift and I am SO excited for them to open it..I agree with the adorable little boy, giving is almost always better than receiving)

John Lewis - The Long Wait from Blink on Vimeo.

Do you have room?

Every Christmas season, the thing I look MOST forward to is A Night in Bethlehem-where my church recreates the city of Bethlehem and everyone is dressed in costume..you can visit the shops, get water from the well, eat some hummus and pita, etc. Following your journey in the town, you're directed to the fire where you see Joseph and Mary traveling on a donkey searching for a place to rest and birth their baby. After being rejected from the several inns, they travel behind to a stable. Then, you are guided to the field where you witness the birth of our Savior, as the story is recited from Luke. There are live animals, the angels, shepherds and wise men appear and the music is incredible. It is such an outstanding and humbling performance, and I am moved to tears almost every time as "Oh come all ye faithful" is playing and all the towns people/shepherds are walking toward the baby Jesus to show their respect. I have an immense amount of appreciation for all of the hard work and dedication my church leaders have put in each year to create such an amazing event for the community so that we could all celebrate the true meaning of Christmas together. I am SO sad that I won't be there this year to participate/witness my favorite activity of the holiday season. It always makes me truly reflect the purpose of Christmas, have a deeper love for my Savior, Jesus Christ and enforces the desire to strive to be more like Him. This is the first year since the stake started it that I haven't been, and it is truly heartbreaking. If you are in or around the Odessa area, I HIGHLY recommend going! They ask for you to bring a canned good to donate, but if you can't that's totally fine. I promise you won't regret it. Or at least, go and take pictures/videos and send them my way so I can somewhat feel like I'm there :(

"Do you have room for the savior? And do you seek Him anew? Have you a place for the one who lived and died for you? Are you as humble as a shepherd boy, or as wise as men of old? Would you have come that night, would you have sought the light? Do you have room?......

Will you come tonight? Will you seek the light? Do you have room?"

**This is the song that is sung around the fire as Mary and Joseph are struggling to find a place to rest. One of my all-time favorites!!

A Very "Christmasy" Week

The week started with sipping hot chocolate and listening to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional-this is always something I look forward to at the beginning of each holiday season. The MoTab sounded phenomenal (as usual), the decorations were beautiful and the messages were inspiring.  

"The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and generosity and of goodness"-President Monson

"You can give a great and wonderful Christmas if you remember the gifts God has given you and, as best you can, offer them to others as He would"-President Eyring

"When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit"-President Monson

"Like the Wise Men of old, we should seek the Christ and lay before Him the most precious of gifts: a broken heart and a contrite spirit."-President Uchtdorf

On Wednesday, Jonny came over and helped put up our outdoor Christmas lights (after some bribing that took place that I would cook him whatever he wanted for dinner) Nahhh just kidding, he's actually just nice and offered to do it.

1. Jonny putting his electrician skills to good use and hanging all our Christmas lights 2. Us trying to recreate a pose I saw on pinterest...didn't work out so well

I couldn't get the whole house in...but these were the trees I was in charge of. Jonny's job (the house) looks a wholeeee lot better than my side. I declare hanging lights is defffff a man's job. It's way harder than it looks!

We got a real tree, unpacked all of our super old and homemade ornaments and decorated it while watching ELLEN's 12 days of giveaway (I don't care what anyone says, I love Ellen DeGeneres and refuse to miss her show)

Me and my mom went to a Relief Society event, where there were special appearances from "Mary and Elizabeth" (the mothers of Jesus and John the Baptist) Stories were shared, songs were sung and tears were shed. The best part though, was that it was also a cookie exchange...so we came home with a huge assortment of cookies! Later, Amy and Jonny came over and we watched Elf. Amy fell asleep within minutes, and Jonny a little later..but I laughed like I never had seen it before. Will Ferrell is perfect, and there are soooo many quotable quotes in that movie, like:

"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup"

"I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite"

"I thought maybe we could make gingerbread houses, and eat cookie dough, and go ice skating, and maybe...even hold hands"

"Son of a Nutcracker!"

Friday night, my mom and I were invited to go see Christmas Joy- an AMAZING performance by the Performers' Ballet Company. Words cannot even begin to describe the talent of these girls. The entire production was the story of Jesus' birth, His ministry and resurrection, portrayed through dance. It was truly spectacular!

And this is my view right now...as I watch The Santa Clause. Another classic! I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!! :)

Back to December

FINALLY! It's my favorite month. I've made it. When I moved to Albuquerque, I just kept telling myself "you only have to make it til December" and well, it's now December and I couldn't be happier. This month includes:

-working like crazy to satisfy the crazy holiday shopping madness

-watching a Christmas movie every night until the 25th (or at least attempting to)

-getting a real Christmas tree and decorating it

-listening to J. Biebs' Christmas album on the daily

-drinking hot chocolate every morning for breakfast

-decorating gingerbread houses

-lots and lots of baking

-ice skating

-spending Christmas Eve with the fam

-flying to Tampa!

-moving to Idaho

Wow, what a crazy busy month!!! (but that's the way I like it) I seriously love this time of year, and everything it entails. I love dropping a few coins into the Salvation Army red buckets outside of the grocery store, I love the Christmas station on Pandora, I love sitting by the fire reading through our collection of holiday books, I love singing Christmas carols at church, I love the general human kindness that is displayed more frequently, I love the true meaning of Christmas, and rereading the story of the birth of our Savior as told in Luke...I really just love it all. Time to get in the holiday spirit. Only 23 days until Christmas!! Woop woop!

Meet Lena..my dog for a day

You may or may not have noticed the picture in this post, but in one of the photos of us in the car I was holding a dog on my lap. Well, that was Lena. You see, while on our road trip, we had stopped at a gas station somewhere along the Arizona/New Mexico border, and while Jonny and Corinne were inside, I noticed a poor little dog who was so skinny you could see her ribs just hanging out behind the building. This gas station was literally just off the freeway in the middle of nowhere so I had to do something about it. She was obviously abandoned, and it broke my heart just thinking of leaving her there. Luckily there was a cute little family from Colorado who had also stopped for gas. The husband bought her a can of food and she ate it all within seconds. They couldn't keep her, because they were on vacation but the wife has worked with sheltered animals, so she checked her for any injuries or diseases. I kinda sorta begged Corinne to let me put her in the car and take her home (since it was her car...), she agreed so just like that, we gained a fifth passenger! She is the sweetest, friendliest and most loving dog, and even though Jonny wanted nothing to do with her at first, I heard him calling her "baby", petting her and admitting she was cute by the time we got home. She was extremely scared of people, and although she let me pick her up and hold her, you could tell she's been abused and treated badly by humans in the past. She never once barked, growled, snapped or anything..she would just lower her head or hide under a bush whenever someone would come near her. Poor little thing. My mom wouldn't let us keep her, so she stayed the night at our house, and then the next day we took her to the animal shelter, where they will take care of all her shots, a vet will examine her, give her a bath and will eventually be adopted. It's weird how I already love her so much, and I check the shelter's website every day to see if her adoption picture is posted yet. I really loved having a dog for a day!

p.s. We named her Lena, short for "Gasolina"..since we found her at a gas station. It's kind of dumb, but I don't know, it stuck and somehow fit her well.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Yay for it being my most favorite holiday EVER! I love love loveeeee Thanksgiving. It really is the best. I love that it's a specific day of the year to reflect on what we are truly thankful for. Often, I hear people say it's sad that we have to have a day to remind us to be grateful for all we have..but I think it's awesome! Why not celebrate a holiday that reminds us to be full of gratitude, eat a huge feast and have an excuse to celebrate with family??? I think I really love Thanksgiving because it's the official start of the Christmas season. Even though they've been playing Christmas music at work since Halloween, I now feel like I can actually enjoy it and sing along. It sincerely is the best time of the year!!! 

This year was a little a lottt different than most years. We usually go to Idaho and spend Thanksgiving at my aunt Cindy's house with my entire extended family. We spend all morning in the kitchen (well, all the moms do...), watch the parade, eat, sleep, play card games, watch football/the boys have a Madden football tournament, and then we all pile in cars to go see whatever movie is just released at the local theater. BUT since I have to work Black Friday, there's no way we could go..(lame) so grandma and grandpa came down to Albuquerque to celebrate with me and my mom. It was just the four of us...so completelyyy different from every other year. I'm a big fan of traditions, so it was kind of sad..but hopefully next year we'll be back in Pocatello to celebrate! Either way, it's still my all-time favorite holiday and I've had a wonderful day! (Besides, any day where I drink Martinelli's is bound to be a good day)

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, and that you took some time to really reflect on what you're thankful for. I'm thankful for all of YOU :) Peace and blessings <3

BWE

= BEST WEEKEND EVER! Last Thursday I spontaneously decided to go to Utah for the weekend, and I am soooo glad I did. Amy and her friend Corinne were driving up to Provo to see Breaking Dawn with friends who go to BYU (it's a tradition that they go to the midnight premiere together for every movie) and Jonny was going too, so I decided to tag along as well! We made it there in only 8 and a half hours, which is verrryyyy impressive (just so you know) and as soon as we arrived, they dropped me off at Beth's dorm, where I stayed for the two nights. It was a long drive, but so worth it. It was so wonderful to be reunited with my best friends for the weekend, and I am so so grateful for them! (But we missed you Savannah!) 


Beth had work at 5:00, so Stevie and Rachel drove down to see me and take me to dinner. We ate at Malawi's pizza, where they had a "Jimmer" pizza and some byu bball players were also eating...therefore, I'm sure it wasn't Stephen's favorite place to be. But it was still good to see them, and catch up. Later, they took me to Emy's apartment and me, her and Kels "pinterested" it up and found this mint oreo truffle recipe. We headed to Smith's to get the ingredients for that and a honey face mask (which is still on my to-do list haha). They didn't have mint oreos (what the what?!?!?) so of course, we opted for double stuff and they were still delish! We made them, ate them, laughed a lot, went back to Beth's, face timed with Van in Hawaii, hung out, laughed some more and then finally went to sleep (and cuddled with Bethy's feet the whole night?) Yeah, we're close.

1.Me and Rachie at dinner 2.Reuniting with Emy and visiting Bethany at work! 3.Em and Kels crushing oreos for the truffles 4.The best brother who drove down to Provo to see me :)

Friday, Beth had class, so I more than willingly slept in late, took a shower and got ready for the day. We met up with my childhood best friend Erin Hunt for lunch at the cannon center, and it was SO fun to see her, talk about our lives, and reminisce on the good ole days when we played with our "gigi dolls", were always making smoothies and how we once spent a week digging holes in a field b/c we wanted to be like the kids on the movie "Holes". (I guess I could have just become a criminal??) I don't know, we were strange children.

Me and Er Bear..some things never change.

Also, just look and marvel at Erin's dorm room with me. It's like walking into the North Pole! It was so festive and cheery, and immediately put me in a good mood. I can't wait to be in college during Christmas so I can decorate the same way!

On Friday night, when Beth was finallllyyyy done with her paper (jk Bethy, you wrote it really fast) and my ukelele lesson, taught by her roommate Laura was finished, Emily and Mckenna came over and we got ready to go the basketball game. We made it for the second half where BYU dominated, then decided Cafe Rio was a must. (Okay, so I might have forced it...I just loveeee the pork burrito so much, and couldn't be in Utah without eating one). Lauren met us there, and while we were eating, Provo had its first snow fall of the season! Yay?! I don't know if it's a celebratory thing or not, because that just means it's officially the beginning of a very long winter. But still, it was beautiful outside. Nothing beats driving down the street with snow slowly falling from the sky as it's lit up by the street lights. After C.R. we went back to Emy's apt and hung out/talked/laughed/etc. Just like the high school days when we would all gather in the Thompson's fam room. Perfect.

1.Ready for the basketball game 2.First snowfall!

1.Cafe Rio is seriously the best place 2.Me and Miss. Match!

Saturday--me, Beth and Lauren went to lunch at Zupas. (I swear my life does not just revolve around food. That's like all I ever write about!!! Okay, who am I kidding? Yes it does. You were probably wondering, so to let you know..I had a pesto chicken sandwich and tortilla soup.) Then Lauren dropped me off at Amy's aunt's house so could drive down to St. George.

**Side note: Reason #4292045 I want an iphone for Christmas..instagram! I. am. obsessed. Oh, and also because it takes my phone about 10 minutes to type a few words. #annoying

The drive to St. Geezy wasn't tooooo bad. When we got there, we headed to the temple's awesome visitor's center and walked around the grounds. I have to say, that temple is probs one of my favorites. Then we arrived at Amy & Jonny's grandma and uncle's house. They were so accommodating and sweet to let us stay with them..seriously, their grandma has to be one of the cutest ladies I've ever met! We ate chowder, chatted, watched a movie and then went to sleep. Sunday, we woke up to the smell of breakfast cooking (ummm the best way to wake up?? I think yes), went to church, then my other childhood best friend Melinda who goes to Dixie State came and picked me up. I helped her put together gift baskets, and then went with her to a cast dinner. (She was the lead in a musical! She's amazing and so very talented) It was so fun to meet all her friends, and spend time with her...it's been sooooo long) When I got back to the house, we ate ice cream, played Rook with their uncle and g-ma (really though, they're the best), I learned to french braid, and we finished the night watching a movie. We all went to bed exhausted, and then woke up Monday morning to drive back to Albuquerque!

The visitor's center and the St. George temple..it's a good thing Jonny took his camera to capture these! :)

Me and Melinda :)

And since it WAS a road trip after all, (we spent about 22 hours in the car total..wow, that sounds crazy. It really didn't seem like it!) I present to you a montage of pictures. You are so welcome.

1.Someone's a little too excited for the long drive ahead/sitting next to Cat in the Hat. 2.Running away from a ginormous spider at a gas station?? Normal. 3.Monticello, Utah temple 4.Jonny literally spent half the trip reading the dictionary/encyclopedia. Craziness! That would have kept me entertained for like 5.2 seconds.

1.We look way too happy for being in a car all day..and no, me and Jonny were not sharing that drink. 2.We got bored...okay??! 3.I really don't even know..I just wanted to be home 4.I cringe at the sight of me in this picture..but focus on the background!!!! SO beautiful! (Besides, it was either this picture or one of me dead asleep in the back of the car. Toughie.)

The cool thing is, since we went to St. George, we drove a completely different way home (through Arizona), so the scenery was unique and so pretty.

It was SUCHHH a needed little getaway, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to go! I love my friends. I love Utah. I love my new friends (seriously. if you want to get to know someone well, go on a road trip with them). I love that my job didn't schedule me for the weekend so I could go. And I love that it wasn't a sad goodbye, because I will get to see everyone again very soon in Tampa!! Yay!

Just because it looked like a good idea on Pinterest...

DOES NOT mean it is going to work just as great on YOU. I learned this the hard way..(well, so did Spencer and Amy) So last week, I was just wasting all my time on pinterest. You know, the usual. And I found this awesome homemade, do-it-yourself facial/pore strips recipe that I just had to try! So when I was over at Amy's house, I was telling her about it..therefore we made the dumb decision to try it! (It did not seem like a poor choice at the time, mind you.) It only calls for two ingredients: milk and flavorless gelatin. Easy enough, right? We followed the instructions, painted the mixture on our faces and let it dry for about 20 minutes, a.k.a to the point where we couldn't move our facial muscles an inch because it was so hard/tight. Then came the ahem, "fun" part.....peeling it off. I actually did think this would be fun, because I admit..I'm one of those weird, gross people that finds it rather satisfying to peel off the layer dead skin after being sunburned. Well, let me tell you, this was nothing like that. I like to think I have a pretty high pain tolerance. Oh my gosh, NO. I was wrong. Peeling this stuff off our faces was pure torture. I wish I could say I'm exaggerating (which, I mean, I might be a litttleee bit) but even Spencer was clenching his jaw every time he ripped off a piece from his face. Amy and I were both crying (ok, our eyes were just watering...but still) and Jonny was kind enough to put it all on my eyebrows while applying, so that was a real treat peeling off. Not only did the stuff come off, but several of my eyebrow hairs did too. Speaking of those...is there a name for "eyebrow hairs???" Interesting. Anyway, what did I learn from this experience?? Maybe that I shouldn't try the "easy" diy lace doily lamp shade I've been wanting to make, or any of the other 300 "simple" looking crafts that pinterest glamorizes so well. Darn.

I can't believe I'm posting this picture to the internet for all who desires to see. We literally could not move our faces! The only good thing that came from it, was our faces were pretty soft when all was said and done. Was it worth it though?? I'm still not sure..

a good day

Sooo my life is pretty boring as of lately. Seriously. My day consists of waking up around noon, reading blogs/fb/pinterest/twitter, shower, going downstairs and making something to eat, watch Ellen at 3 with my mom, get ready for work, work 5-11:30, come home & eat, watch Grey's Anatomy until three in the morning. Repeat. Thrilling, huh? That's why, last week when Jonny asked if I wanted to go ice skating, I was super excited (and nervous..) I am a horrible ice skater, and hadn't been in a long time. But it was so much fun, and I was actually better than I thought (meaning, I didn't have to cling to the wall the entire time). I really am grateful for these three friends.

Ice skating

Church activity

An intense game night

Chicken enchilada soup & corn bread

Hot apple cider and candy

Cuddling and a movie

Sorry..phone pic quality :/

On another note..I seriously cannot wait for this movie to come out! I'm feeling midnight premiere party! Who's with me??

an attitude of gratitude

Wow. As I was blog stalking (sounds so much worse than it is), I saw this was posted on a girl's blog. No words, just the quote..and it really hit home. If this were true, today I would have nothing. In my defense, I fell asleep watching tv and then stumbled to bed..but still, there are too many nights that I forget, or quite frankly don't say my bedtime prayers. This has always been a struggle for me, and is something I continually strive to be better at. I needed this little thought-provoking question to linger in my mind tonight. Honestly, it made me feel guilty, for I owe everything I have to my Heavenly Father and I need to sincerely thank him for everything I've been blessed with. With that being said, I loveeee this time of year. Not just because it's getting colder outside every day, but because of the emphasis on gratitude. I love the meaning of Thanksgiving, and that it's a specific day set aside to recognize what you're thankful for. Therefore...

Today, I'm grateful for:

-the standards my church has set for me to follow. they have truly enabled me to live a blessed life.

-the conditions I live in. I have a beautiful house, loving parents, food on the table, more stuff than I need, etc. not everyone can say that.

-the friends that I had growing up. they are the ones who helped shape me to be the person I am today. I miss them a lot and wonder if I'll ever make friends again that mean so much to me.

-daylight savings, or fall back. whatever it's called. I can't begin to express my joy. I love that it gets dark earlier, because that just means it's closer to Christmas! (yes, I associate darker evenings with Christmas..don't ask me why.) and the extra hour of sleep for 10 o'clock church tomorrow is an added bonus!

-my blowdryer. everyone knows I hate showering in the morning (it cuts into my sleep time, which is very precious to me. duh), but it is muchhhh too cold to shower at night and then sleep with wet hair. what did people do back in the day without blowdryers?? I could never survive.

-a healthy body, that allows me to do things others so wish they could

-my brother and his wife. I can feel their love, even though I live so far away. I absolutely love it when one of them calls just to talk.

-to live in America. simple as that. I think about that often though..how lucky am I to be born in this great nation where my freedoms are protected, when sooooo many others' are not?

I have so much to be thankful for, and I wish I took the time to reflect on those daily. I remember, while in Tonga doing humanitarian work two summers ago, every night our group would gather together and everyone would say something they were grateful for that day. It could be anything, but we all had to share something we were thankful for. It was an eye-opening experience. Even though I knew I had sooooo much to be grateful for, sometimes it was hard to think of something to say. It made me start to really notice the small things in life, like a loud rainstorm, or the random person who smiled at me, or having safe & clean water to drink at home, etc. that truly made me happy. When I got home, I continued to keep a "gratitude journal" and wrote something down each night. However, like all my journals, this one didn't last too long. I regret not keeping up with it..it would be so humbling to have 2 years, or 730 days worth of journal entries, having written something I'm grateful for everyday. I like to think God knows the desires and pleadings of our hearts, and even if I don't necessarily write it down, He knows what I'm thankful for. But still, taking the time to reflect on your day and taking note of the little things in life that mean something can be a huge blessing in disguise. Speaking of, I'm grateful for the opportunity I had to spend my time and serve the people in Tonga. It was a great experience and I will never forget the lessons I learned and took home with me.

July 2009..crazy to think four of these people are currently spending two years serving missions for the church, and two of them are speaking Tongan. I truly don't think that is just a coincidence...

On another note, I feel like I talk about my "old life" way too much, and complain how I'm in a "limbo" stage right now, just waiting for my life to start. It's sad, really. I dwell too much, and I really need to start living my life today. I'm constantly thinking about how things will be different when I go back to school, I'll make friends, have things to do and will love my life THEN. But why not now?? I guard myself from disappointment and suffering too often, that I don't allow myself to have fun now. I think subconsciously, I don't want to make friends because I know I'll be leaving soon. Not only college, but I'm constantly telling myself how much happier I'll be when I'm done with school and have a real career, or when I'm married, or when I have kids. I wish I could just be happy today. Believe me, it's something I'm really working on. I once heard a quote that said "the trick is to enjoy life. don't wish your days away waiting for better ones ahead." I agree with that 100% and my goal for the next two months is to embrace New Mexico with a better attitude. My life is what it is right now, and that's not going to change. So I might as well make the most of it, right? I've been trying, but I obviously haven't been trying hard enough. I want need to be happy. The loneliness, sorrow and anger I currently encompass is not doing me any good. I don't think I'll make it much longer if I continue living my life the way I am. Sooo wish me luck with my endeavor and this new "attitude of gratitude" that I sincerely need to possess.

Halloween through the years

We were suchhhh happy, photogenic kids. Apparently I wasn't pleased with the outcome of my jack-o-lantern

this is during my "I don't know how to smile, so I'll just stand here and look super awkward phase"

And then this was Halloween last year. I obviously was too cool to dress up...not. I honestly can't remember why I didn't though. I think I wasn't feeling well or something. Excuses, excuses... and I love how Vannah is in the same costume as a couple years before. I don't blame her though..if I had a Mrs. Teapot costume, I would wear it everyday!

A couple weeks ago, I wrote about how I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween..well, that maybe true, but let me clarify. I think Halloween is the best holiday when you're a kid (I mean, you get to dress up, have parties at school, stay up late and get candy from all your neighbors. What's not to love?) and when I have kids, I know I'll love dressing them up and taking them trick-or-treating as well. Looking back on all our pictures of past Halloween's, it's bringing back such great memories. We got to wear our costumes to school, and all the parents would come and watch us in a parade through the halls. My mom was always "room mom", so she would always put together amazing class parties, where we'd play bingo, hear scary stories, make haunted houses, etc. I remember trunk-or-treat at the church, and eating scones and hot chocolate as we tried to keep warm. Trick-or-treating with all my neighborhood friends was always a blast too. We had the BEST neighborhood for trick-or-treating. Seriously, people would drive to it because it really was the best in town. I remember the Anderson's always served us homemade root beer from their witch's cauldron, the Barton's would pass out homemade donuts, and the Skanchy's always gave king size candy bars, attached to a toothbrush (he was an orthodontist). I really do have such fond memories of Halloween, and I can't wait to have a family of my own to create memories and traditions with.

It's just, right now, at my age..the holiday is just an excuse to dress up as a slutty {insert costume}, get drunk and party all night. None of those things appeal to me. I mean, if I was into that, then I'm sure I would loveee Halloween too..but I'm just not. (and I know not everyone celebrates that way) But whatever floats your boat. My mom keeps calling me a "debbie downer" and a "halloween scrooge"..I don't know, hopefully next year I'll have a different outlook on it, and I'll really get in to the spirit. But for now, I'm just not diggin' today's holiday. And honestly, I'm kind of excited to work tonight..it will keep my mind off the fact that I have no friends here to do anything with. Ha. (Even though...who goes shopping at Kohl's on Halloween from 5-11:30 at night?? Umm, no one ?) We'll see, I guess...I hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween though! I'm just excited for the mummy dog's my mom is making for dinner right now!

*Missing these two a lot right now..