Finals SUCK

I got lucky in Wyoming to only have one final...ever, in two years. So I never have truly had the experience of finals week or heck week as some call it. Well I got it full blown this year...pay back for the years I had off I guess. Four tests in 3 days...kill me now. I am down to one test left, but I am suffering the consequences. I've had a headache for going on 5 days now, my eyes hurt from reading so much, and I find myself staring at words and not having a clue what they mean. One more day...

I can't wait to get to be home with my family and have a break for a little bit. Then real life has to come back of course, but I'll try to forget that as long as possible. I can't wait for friends who have been gone far too long to be back with me and enjoy these cold nights catching up and having lots of adventures!

Can't wait to see this beautiful girl again! Miss you Kort!

I get to share a room with my littlest brother now and he is absolutely a wonderful roommate! Monday night he talked himself to sleep talking to me. I love being home to help him with his homework and hear about how his day went. His laughter is contagious and I need a little bit of his happy in my life right now.

How can you not love that face? :)

Many things are ending, but so many are just beginning...bring on the next chapter! Also an update on Landon, he has now been gone for almost 14 months. He is doing great and loves the mission. We're on the downhill and this downhill better be a steep one...I can't wait to take it at full speed :)

My Big Little Brother

I think just about everyone believes their family is the best in world...I'm definitely one of them. I know I've written about this before, but this time I want to dedicate one to my brother. I can't call him my little brother anymore because he's got almost 6 inches on me, but he will always be my little brother. This boy has been one of my best friends since the day he was born. All growing up he was always so patient to be my student, my patient, and even sometimes my human mannequin. I remember making him mad and being scared to death that he was going to kill me so I would hurry and do something dumb to make him laugh. He had the cutest little blonde curls and the biggest ears. I loved that little boy and still do!

That boy is not so little anymore. He just turned 17 and is a junior in high school. He's 6'3" and could beat me up if he really wanted to. On Tuesday I came home to go to his game and as the time for the JV game to start got closer I kept wondering why we hadn't left yet. So I finally said, "Don't we kind of need to leave?" My mom replied, "He's only playing varsity, and he's starting!" I was SO excited for him! I think I was more nervous than he was and held my breath every time he got the ball, but he played SO good! I have never been more proud of anything in my life. After the game it took all that was in me not to run down there and give him a huge hug. He would have been so embarrassed...I should've done it! Haha. But I waited patiently and only ran down a few steps to give him a big, sweaty hug. He had a nice bruised and swollen nose for his efforts, but a sister couldn't have been happier. I love my brother not only for being an awesome basketball player, but for being an awesome person. I love the nights we get to drive somewhere and talk, laughing about the things only siblings appreciate. Hearing all the things my mom will never know and telling him some of my own stories.

I wish I was home to spend more time with him, but I find comfort in a favorite quote. "Like branches on a tree, we grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one. Each of our lives will always be a special part of the other." Although my family is growing up and growing in different directions we'll always have each other. I love my brother and can't wait to spend the next couple months watching him playing a sport he loves. Thanks Tanner for always loving me!

Snow!!!

Today I am thankful for the beautiful snow. We are in Montana on a road trip right now and we got dumped on last night. I haven't seen a beautiful snow storm in a long time. Snow in Wyoming is anything but beautiful! I love this beautiful world that God has given us to live in. I love the snow piled high on the branches of the trees. I can't wait for Christmas! <3

Way Behind...

Well I got way behind when my Internet quit working for a few days so...here are a few things I have been thankful for in the past little while!

I am thankful to have amazing friends all over the place. I wish I could see the ones I don't get to see more often. I am thankful for change. Normally I'm not a big fan, but change has been really good for me as of late and I can't wait to see where this next change takes me. I am thankful to be surrounded by people who believe the same things I believe. I love being able to talk about the gospel and hear the amazing blessings other people have received.

Last, but not least, I am thankful for my calling. I have learned from my calling that my life is awesome. I have learned to love people to an extent that I didn't know was possible. I've learned to see people through the Lord's eyes and love them for who they are.
   

      "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - Plato

I know it's easier said than done, but be extra kind to someone today. You never know what they are going through and a simple act of kindness might just get them through another day. SMILE :)

Day 3

Today I am grateful for laughter. It seems like no matter how bad my day is, a laugh turns it all around. It's amazing how great something so simple is for your well being. So I am posting two videos that make me laugh...enjoy :)

This one is so sad, but I can't help but laugh every time I watch it. The two at the end are my favorite!

I think this is absolutely adorable! I love the pure joy babies find in simple things. I wish I could be more like that and remember to enjoy the simple things.

Day 2...

My wonderful internet wasn't working last night so here I am in the morning again. My day two of being grateful was pretty simple. I am so thankful to live in such a beautiful place. Cache Valley is one of the most beautiful places in the world, in my opinion, but I have never seen a sunset as pretty as those here in Ogden. I look forward to coming home every night so I can drive down the hill and see the gorgeous sunset.

I am also thankful for a wonderful mother who taught me to love the game of volleyball. It has caused me the most frustration, but as brought me some of my greatest joys. Volleyball is something that has given me numerous opportunities, so many life long friends and taught me valuable lessons. Thank you mom for sharing your love with me and supporting me over the years!

Be Grateful - Day 1

I forgot to write last night what I was thankful for so I got up extra early today so I wouldn't forget. I had a lot to be thankful for yesterday. The first was some pushed the button on the elevator in the Health Sciences Building (which is the slowest elevator known to man) and left. It was the best thing ever though because I didn't have to wait for it, I just hoped right on and headed to glorious study hall :)

Next I got to see my dad, my little brother, my aunt, and all of her kids at my game. I have the best support system a girl could ask for. I love my family! My little brother lights up my day every day I see him. He's a little punk sometimes, but he sure does know how to make me laugh. I love his grown up attitude in his little body. I can't wait until I can see him more.